Infectious illness caused by a group A
streptococcus (GAS) bacterium that
affects the lower respiratory system
 Develops from strep throat
 Also known as "scarlatina"
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Agent: Streptococcus pyogenes
Gram staining: positive (+)
Morphology: chained cocci (circles)
Endospores: none
Toxins
› Streptolysin O
› Streptolysin S
› Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A (and C)
aerobic
 non-motile
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Outbreak:
› Most recent was on 2008-2009
› Lasted a period of 42 weeks
› Reported almost 400 cases by the Health
Protection Agency
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Most commonly seen on:
› 5-12 y/o children
› late winter
› early summer
Direct contact with mucus from nose
 Fluid from nose
 Infected saliva
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Begins with a rash that shows red bumps
The rash lasts about 2-7 days
After the rash is gone the skin on the tip of
the fingers and toes peel.
A flush face with a pale area around the
face.
A red and sore throat that can have white
or yellow patches .
Fevers of 101 degrees or higher.
Swollen glands in the neck.
Check for the rash
 Swab the back of the throat
 Check the tongue and tonsils
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Use of antibiotics such as:
› Penicillin
› Erythromycin
› Ibuprofen for symptom relief
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Avoid the use aspirin in children younger
than 16
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Wash your hands often and
Avoid sharing
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eating utensils
Linens
Towels
other personal items.
There is no vaccine to prevent strep throat
or scarlet fever.
 Children with scarlet fever or strep throat
should stay home at least for 24 hours after
starting antibiotics.
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http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/scarlet
_fever.html
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/scarletfever_
g.htm
http://scienceblogs.com/aetiology/2011/07/06/scarlet-feverin-hong-kong/
http://www.cdc.gov/features/scarletfever/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1146944/Casesscarlet-fever-reach-highest-level-decade.html
http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/s/scarlet_fever/stats.htm