Health Topics for Child Health and Development

UI Children's Hospital

UI Family Care Centers

Divisions Within the Department of Pediatrics

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

Rheumatic fever in children

Rheumatic fever is a bacterial disease that may affect the brain, heart, joints, skin, and tissues beneath the skin. It is rare and occurs within 1 to 5 weeks after recovery from strep throat or scarlet fever. Numerous joints are affected with arthritic swelling, redness, pain, and heat. Permanent damage and scarring of the heart and heart valves may result. This can lead to a chronic heart condition.

Early symptoms of rheumatic fever include:

• fever
• nosebleed
• joint pain and swelling
• a red rash
• abdominal pain and
• vomiting

Later symptoms include:

• arthritis that moves from one joint to another
• raised red patches on the skin
• lumps under the skin
• inflammation of the heart
• chest pain
• uncontrolled movement of limbs and the face and
• awkwardness and a tendency to drop things

Mild cases usually last 3 to 4 weeks. More serious cases may persist up to 3 months. Antibiotics and bed rest are used to treat the disease. Long-term penicillin therapy may be given to prevent recurrent strep infections. Antibiotics may also be used as prevention for infection before surgery or dental work. Rheumatic fever can be prevented by treating strep throat and skin infections with antibiotics early.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File CHIL3079.RF2 VRS# 7754 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1998 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.