Scarlet Fever: A Group A Streptococcal Infection

"If your child has a sore throat and a rash, it may be scarlet fever. Your child’s doctor can do a quick strep test to find out. If your child has scarlet fever, antibiotics can help your child feel better faster and prevent long-term health problems. Antibiotics can also help protect others from getting sick.

Scarlet fever – or scarlatina – is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus or “group A strep.” These bacteria cause many types of infections, including strep throat and skin infections. Certain strep bacteria produce a toxin (poison) that can cause a red rash—the “scarlet” of scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness that most commonly affects children between 5 and 15 years old..."

Scarlet Fever