Scarlet Fever

Question 1

What is the pathogen responsible for scarlet fever, in which age group is it most common, and how does it spread?

Answer 1

1. toxins produced by group A streptococcus (strep pyogenes)
2. 2 to 6 years old, peak incidence age of 4
3. respiratory droplets

Question 2

What is this a presentation of?
Fever, malaise, headache, nausea and vomiting, sore throat, strawberry tongue. Fine pinhead rash appearing on torso, sparing alms soles and mouth, 24-hours after onset of sore throat.

Answer 2

Scarlet fever

Question 3

How is scarlet fever diagnosed?

Answer 3

Throat swab, start antibiotics immediately do not wait for results.

Question 4

What is the management of scarlet fever?

Answer 4

Oral penicillin V for 10 days, if allergic use azithromycin.

Question 5

What are the complications of scarlet fever?

Answer 5

Otitis media, rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis.