Scarlet fever in Emporia confirmed
Beth Hammond - Special to The Gazette
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Some people may have heard that scarlet fever has been going around Emporia and the surrounding area. Dr. Derek Brown, pediatrician with Newman Pediatrics, confirms that there have been a large number of patients over the last few weeks in his office with more than a half a dozen cases noted and counting.
“To some people the term scarlet fever sounds exotic and perceived as scary. But actually, scarlet fever is simply a rash caused by the same bacteria that causes strep throat,” reports Dr. Brown.
Scarlet fever is caused by an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria. The bacteria make a toxin (poison) that can cause a scarlet-colored rash from which this illness gets its name. Not all streptococci bacteria make this toxin and not all kids are sensitive to it. Two kids in the same family may both have strep infections, but one child (who is sensitive to the toxin) may develop the rash of scarlet fever while the other may not. Usually, if a child has this scarlet rash and other symptoms of strep throat, it can be treated with antibiotics.
The rash found in scarlet fever develops in fewer than 10 percent of cases of “strep throat.” Scarlet fever most typically occurs in children aged 4-8 years. It occurs mainly in summer or early fall in temperate climates. If the throat infection is left untreated, the condition may result in heart problems and ultimately lead to an infection called rheumatic fever seen in 3 percent of patients. Ten to 15 percent of patients having strep throat may also experience complications leading to kidney problems.
Symptoms of Scarlet Fever
The illness tends to be rapid and usually identified with fever associated with sore throat, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal and muscle pain. In the untreated patient, fever peaks by the second day (temperature as high as 103-104 degrees) and gradually returns to normal in 5-7 days. The rash is the most striking sign of scarlet fever, with fine tiny bumps like a sandpaper pad or a bad sunburn with goose pimples that may or may not itch. The rash usually appears first on the neck and face, often leaving a clear, unaffected area around the mouth. It spreads to the chest and back, then to the rest of the body. By the sixth day of the infection the rash usually fades, but the affected skin may begin to peel, particulalry on the hands, toes and groin.
Aside from the rash, there are usually other symptoms that help to confirm a diagnosis of scarlet fever, including a reddened sore throat, white and/or raspberry tongue, and swollen glands in the neck. The tonsils in the back of the throat may also be covered with a whitish coating or pus.
Preventing Scarlet Fever
The bacterial infection that causes scarlet fever is contagious and may spread through nasal and throat fluids by sneezing and coughing. When a child is sick at home, it’s important to keep that child’s drinking glasses and eating utensils separate from other family members, and to wash these items thoroughly in hot soapy water. Wash your own hands frequently as you care for a child with strep to avoid other people in the household from infection.
Treating Scarlet Fever
If your child has a rash and the doctor suspects scarlet fever, he or she will usually take a rapid strep test and throat culture (a painless swab of throat secretions) to see if this type of bacteria grows in the laboratory. Once a Group A strep infection is confirmed, antibiotics may be given to clear the infection.
It may take a few weeks for tonsils and swollen glands to return to normal. The goals when treating scarlet fever are to prevent acute rheumatic fever, to shorten the course of illness and to reduce the spread of infection.
A child with severe strep throat may find eating to be painful; Soft foods or a liquid diet may be necessary. Teas, soups or ice cream as well as plenty of fluids may be given to minimize pain and prevent dehydration.
Adding moisture to the air with a cool mist humidifier will help soothe a sore throat. A moist, warm towel may also help diminish swollen glands around your child’s neck. If the rash itches, make sure that your child’s fingernails are trimmed short so skin isn’t damaged through scratching.
When to Call the Doctor
Call Newman Pediatrics or your doctor whenever your child suddenly develops a rash, especially if it is accompanied by a fever, sore throat or swollen glands. This is especially important if your child has any of the symptoms of strep throat, or if someone in your family or in your child’s school has recently had a strep infection.