Scarlet+Fever

**Satwinder Malhi & Timothy Macdonald**

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‍Scarlet fever is caused by a Group A bacterium called streptococcus which is commonly found in the throat and skin. Therefore, this bacterium can also cause strep throat.=====

‍//What Kind of Organism Is It?//
The kind of organism that it is is Streptococcus Pyogene, which is a spherical, Gram-positive bacterium that is the cause of "group A streptococcus infections" which in this case is scarlet fever.

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‍Scarlet fever causes a rash on the skin which feels like sand-paper, a high fever of about 38 degrees celsius, swollen glands in the neck and a strawberry red colour with some white spots on tongue with the bumps on the tongue being bigger than usual and is mostly common between the ages of 5 and 18. However, adults can also get infected with this fever.===== Some other common effects are: //-Bright red color in the creases of the underarm and groin// //-Chills// //-Fever// //-General discomfort// //-Headache// //-Muscle aches// //-Sore throat// //-Swollen, red tongue (strawberry tongue, as listed above)// //-Vomiting//

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‍The complications that might occur if scarlet fever isn't treated are rheumatic fever which is an inflammatory disease that can cause damage to the brain, joint, skin and heart. This can occur when the streptococcus bacterium isn't treated for 2-4 weeks and can cause tender and painful joint pain in places like the knees and wrist. It can migrate from one joint to another. It can also cause chest pains, shortness of breath, fatigue and can cause the hands to be shaky and uncontrollable.=====

‍//What Treatment is There for Scarlet Fever?//
The main source of treatment for scarlet fever are antibiotics, which kill the bacteria that cause the throat infection. By using these antibiotics, rheumatic fever ("a serious complication of strep throat and scarlet fever") is prevented//.//

‍//How Is Scarlet Fever Transmitted?//
Scarlet Fever is transmitted in a way much similar to other viruses, it is spread by direct contact with other people, or by coughs/sneezes out by an infected person. It is also transmittable if you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after making contact with these 'fluids'

‍//How to Prevent Scarlet Fever//?
Once you know how scarlet fever is transmitted, you should know how to prevent it as well. In this case, it would be to: -Avoid contact with infected people -Check with your doctor or local health care provider if you feel that you are developing the symptoms of scarlet fever (as listed above)

‍List of Sources Used:
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