Scarlet Fever

Question 1

What is scarlet fever?

Answer 1

• reaction to erythrogenic toxins produced by Group A Strep. (Streptococcus pyogenes)

Question 2

Peak incidence of scarlet fever

Answer 2

• more common aged 2 - 6 years
• peak incidence = 4 years.

Question 3

Transmission of scarlet fever

Answer 3

• Respiratory route
  => inhaling/ingesting respiratory droplets
  => direct contact with nose and throat discharges

Question 4

Incubation period

Answer 4

2-4 days

Question 5

Clinical features of scarlet fever

Answer 5

fever: lasts 24-48 hours
malaise, headache, nausea/vomiting
sore throat
‘strawberry’ tongue
rash - starts on torso, spares palms/soles

Question 6

describe the rash seen in scarlet fever

Answer 6

• fine punctate erythema (‘pinhead’)
• flushed appearance
• circumoral pallor
• rash more obvious in flexures
• rough ‘sandpaper’ texture
• desquamination later particularly around the fingers and toes

Question 7

Management of scarlet fever

Answer 7

• Oral penicillin V for 10 days
• Pen allergic = azithromycin

Question 8

When can children return to school after having scarlet fever?

Answer 8

24 hours after commencing antibiotics

Question 9

Scarlet fever is a notifiable disease. TRUE/FALSE?

Answer 9

TRUE

Question 10

Complications of scarlet fever

Answer 10

otitis media
rheumatic fever
glomerulonephritis
bacteraemia
meningitis
necrotizing fasciitis