WHAT CAUSES RHEUMATIC FEVER?
The exact cause of rheumatic fever is not yet known, but it occurs within one to five weeks after an infection with untreated group A streptococcus, the bacterium that causes “strep throat” and scarlet fever. In some people, it appears that the body’s immune system becomes overactive in its response to the streptococcus bacterium. This overreaction leads to inflammation and tissue damage in the heart and other parts of the body. Spot the symptoms Our studies indicate that very few parents know that there is a connection between a sore throat and heart disease in children, says Dr Bongani Mayosi, cardiologist at Groote Schuur Hospital. Dr Mayosi advises all children with a sore throat, and who do not have a runny nose, to see a doctor as soon as possible. Prompt and effective treatment of streptococcal infection with antibiotics will usually prevent rheumatic fever developing, and also reduces the risk of streptococcus being transmitted to other people. People who have already had rheum
