02/06/2026 Public Health Education Topic: Rheumatic Fever
- Health Department
- 8 hours ago
- 1 min read
Per CDC Key points
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, joints, brain, and skin.
Rheumatic fever can develop if strep throat, scarlet fever, or impetigo aren't treated properly.
Symptoms often include fever and painful, tender joints, with treatment focusing on managing inflammation and symptoms.
Serious complications include long-term heart damage.
Speak with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about rheumatic fever.
Symptoms:
Rheumatic fever can develop about 1 to 5 weeks after a group A strep infection.
Common symptoms
Symptoms can include:
Arthritis (painful, tender joints)
Chorea (jerky, uncontrollable body movements)
Fatigue (tiredness)
Fever
Arthritis is most common in the knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists.
Uncommon symptoms
Rarely, symptoms can include:
Nodules (painless lumps) near joints
Rash with pink rings and a clear center
Heart-related symptoms
Symptoms of rheumatic fever can also include symptoms of congestive heart failure:
Chest pain
Fast heartbeat
Shortness of breath
In addition, someone with rheumatic fever can have:
A new heart murmur
An enlarged heart
Fluid around the heart
Complications
If rheumatic fever is not treated promptly, rheumatic heart disease may occur. Rheumatic heart disease weakens the valves between the chambers of the heart. Severe rheumatic heart disease can require heart surgery and result in death.
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