Scarlet Fever

Question 1

What is scarlet fever?

Answer 1

It is an infection resulting from group A streptococci. It usually occurs with a group A streptococci throat infection (i.e., strep throat) or rarely streptococcal skin infection.

Question 2

What are the s/s?

Answer 2

• erythematous rash* (not all children will develop a rash, Only children who are infected with streptococci that produce pyrogenic exotoxins and do not have antitoxin antibodies, making them sensitive to the bacterial toxin); rash looks like a sunburn but feels like sandpaper
• fever (>101F)
• chills
• body aches
• loss of appetite
• N&V
• red and swollen pharynx and lymph nodes
• yellow or white specks of pus
• thick coat with a strawberry appearance (early in illness); The tongue will later lose the coating and become bright red

Question 3

How is scarlet fever transmitted?

Answer 3

• Transmission is through droplets and follows contact with respiratory tract secretions. Transmission is facilitated by the type of close contact that occurs in schools and child care centers

Question 4

What is the incubation period after exposure?

Answer 4

2-5 days

Question 5

What age range is scarlet fever usually seen in?

Answer 5

5-15 years olds. Rare younger than 3 yrs

Question 6

What are the serious complications that can happen if scarlet fever is not treated?

Answer 6

rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis, skin infections, abscesses of the throat, pneumonia, and arthritis

Question 7

What are the diagnostics tests?

Answer 7

• throat culture

Question 8

What are the nursing management/treatments?

Answer 8

Tx:
- penicillin and amoxicillin
- erythromycin may be used if allergic to penicillin

Management:
- encourage fluid intake
- cool mist humidifier to soothe child’s throat
- soft foods, warm liquids or cold foods like a popsicle