Definition

Rheumatic fever (RF; pronounced roo-MAT-ic FEE-ver) is a disease caused by a group of bacteria known as Group A streptococcus (pronounced STREP-tuh-cac-us). The exact conditions that lead to rheumatic fever are not well understood. However, the condition often follows a case of strep throat that was not treated or not treated correctly. Rheumatic fever can seriously damage the valves of the heart.

Description

Streptococcal infections of the throat and ear are common in young children. These infections can be treated efficiently with antibiotics. When so treated, the infections clear up in about a week. Patients seldom experience complications.

Some streptococcal infections are very mild, however. Children may experience no symptoms, so their parents do not seek medical advice. Also, patients sometimes do not take their full course of medication. They stop taking pills when their symptoms are gone. But streptococcal bacteria may still be present...