What is scarlet fever? and how does it pass from one another?

Scarlet Fever is a form of strep, streptococcus-A or more specifically from a toxin the bacteria creates. Not everyone is susceptible to the toxin, so family members may all contract the strep but not the Scarlet Fever. It is passed through nasal and throat fluids by sneezing and coughing, and direct contact with the rash.

You will get a very detailed answer on Wilkpedia

Scarlet fever is a disease caused by an infection of the throat with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal bacteria (strep throat).
Strep bacteria that cause scarlet fever spread from one person to another by fluids from the mouth and nose. If an infected person coughs or sneezes, the bacteria can become airborne, or the bacteria may be present on things the person touches 鈥?a drinking glass or a doorknob. If you're in proximity to an infected person, you may inhale airborne bacteria. If you touch something an infected person has touched and then touch your own nose or mouth, you could pick up the bacteria.
The best prevention strategies for scarlet fever are the same as the standard precautions against infections. Teach your child to practice the following healthy habits:
* Wash your hands. Your child should learn to wash his or her hands thoroughly with warm soapy water.
* Don't share dining utensils. He or she shouldn't share drinking glasses or eating utensils with friends or classmates.
* Cover your mouth and nose. Your child should learn to cover his or her mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing to prevent the potential spread of bacteria.
If your child has scarlet fever, wash his or her drinking glasses, utensils and, if possible, toys in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher.

This illness, characterized by high fever and a bright, red rash covering the entire body, occurs in conjunction with about 10 percent of cases of streptococcal respiratory infection, or strep throat. In general, the widespread use of antibiotics to treat strep throat has made scarlet fever less common than it was in the past, but occasional outbreaks still occur.
Like strep throat, scarlet fever is most common among children over the age of four. It generally spreads in school and household settings.

WHAT CAUSES SCARLET FEVER?
Scarlet fever is caused by a toxin that certain strains of streptococcal bacteria release when they infect the upper respiratory tract. It passes from person to person the same way strep throat does鈥攖hrough close contact between an infected and a noninfected person. When a child with the infection coughs or sneezes, bacteria-laden droplets are expelled. Children playing face to face, eating together, and sharing toys and eating utensils can easily pass strep infections back and forth.

WHEN SHOULD I SUSPECT THAT MY CHILD HAS SCARLET FEVER?
The first symptoms, which may develop suddenly, include a high fever, headache, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Occasionally, abdominal pain and vomiting develop one or two days before the rash appears.

The rash, which consists of tiny, red bumps, begins on the trunk and spreads outward, covering the body in a matter of hours or days, giving the skin a rough sandpaper-like texture. Application of pressure makes the bumps disappear momentarily.

The rash generally spares the area around the mouth, although the lips (as well as the palms and the soles) frequently turn bright red. The tongue, too, undergoes characteristic changes, turning white (with small flecks of red) early in the course of the illness, then becoming swollen and red (strawberry tongue). In addition, deep, red streaks may appear in creases formed by joints鈥攊n the armpits and elbow crooks, as well as in the groin and behind the knees. Evidence of strep throat (sore, swollen tonsils covered by whitish-yellow material) is usually part of the picture.

IS MEDICAL ATTENTION NECESSARY?
Yes. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis of strep infections and scarlet fever, since many other conditions can cause similar symptoms. If a strep infection is present, antibiotic therapy is necessary to prevent complications, such as rheumatic fever.

HOW CAN THE PEDIATRICIAN TELL IF MY CHILD HAS SCARLET FEVER?
The pediatricians may suspect a strep infection if other cases of strep throat or scarlet fever recently have occurred in the community. To be sure of the diagnosis, she will take a throat culture. In this test, a cotton swab is rubbed against the back of the child's throat to remove secretions, which are then placed on growth medium and, after 24 hours, examined under a microscope for the presence of strep bacteria.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Penicillin is the drug of choice for children with scarlet fever. Once the bacteria are wiped out, the toxin that causes scarlet fever will be eliminated as well. Children who are allergic to penicillin may be given erythromycin instead. Treatment is continued for 10 to 14 days even if the symptoms disappear earlier.

GETTING HELP
Call your doctor if your child:

鈥?Suddenly develops nausea, vomiting, and a red rash on the trunk

鈥?Complains of a sore throat after exposure to strep in school or day care

Scarlet fever is of the Streptococcus A strain its symptoms are a pin prick rash on the upper torso that can spread over the whole body a strawberry red tongue and a fever before the introduction of anti biotics was highly contagious.

The best place to find out any information about contagious disease is the CDC. You can find out everything you need to know there. Here's the link for scarlet fever.
http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/DBMD/diseasein...

If you Have scarlet fever, be sure to be taking vitamin E. This will help to eliminate any scarring around the heart area. It is what the large hospitals give to patients with scarlet fever.