My granddaughter has been diagnosed with Scarlet Fever. I didn't know this illness was still around......

....how is Scarlet Fever passed from one person to another. The baby is in the hospital but the doctor reassured us she will be fine. Any feedback?

Actually, to tell the truth, I had it last week! Must be an epidemic. It's not really what you've probably heard of it to be. I mean, sure, you could get really sick from it if nothing is done from it. I took Penicillin, and it worked the same day. Symptoms went down, fever reduced to 99 instead of 102, sore throat going away, and the rash slowly faded. Also, you may notice some weird things going on with her hands and feet (flaking, peeling, swelling and rapid color-changes from scarlet to pale). These are normal, I had all of them. Also, one symptom of it is a whitish covering of the tongue. It's also a good sign if it's going away. Also, you asked how it's passed on. Any coughing, sneezing, kissing, or any other multiple physical contact with an edible object/cup can pass it on. I'd advise you to wash your hands after direct contact with her around her mouth or hands.

What is scarlet fever?
Scarlet fever is a term used for strep throat with a rash. Strep throat is a throat infection caused by a type of streptococcal bacteria.

What causes scarlet fever?
Scarlet fever is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria, the same bacteria that cause strep throat. There are many different strains of strep bacteria, some of which cause more serious illness than others. The type of strep that infects the throat and causes scarlet fever is called group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABS).

What are the symptoms of scarlet fever?
Symptoms that may occur before the rash include:

Fever of 101 掳F(38.33 掳C) or higher.
Sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
White or yellow spots or coating on the throat and tonsils.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Other symptoms, especially in children, may include general body aches, headache, stomachache, nausea, vomiting, or listlessness. Scarlet fever usually doesn't occur with cold symptoms, such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, or cough.

Red spots begin to appear on the roof of the mouth (palate) about 2 to 3 days after symptoms first appear. Bright red spots may appear on the tongue, giving it an appearance called "strawberry tongue."

The most noticeable symptom of scarlet fever is a rough, red rash that feels like fine sandpaper. The rash begins on the chest and abdomen and then spreads over the rest of the body within 24 hours. The rash and redness are more apparent in skin folds, especially in the groin, armpits, and elbow creases. It usually fades in about a week, and at that time the skin may begin to peel.

How is scarlet fever diagnosed?
Diagnosis of scarlet fever is usually based on a medical history, an examination of the throat, and a rapid strep test or throat culture to test for strep bacteria. One or both of these tests are needed to confirm infection with strep bacteria.

How is scarlet fever treated?
Scarlet fever and the strep infection that causes it are treated with antibiotics.

What are the complications of scarlet fever?
Complications of scarlet fever include infection of the middle ear, sinusitis, and pneumonia. In rare cases, a more serious infection may develop, such as rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease. Most cases of scarlet fever can be cured without any permanent complications.

Who is affected by scarlet fever?
Scarlet fever is most common in children ages 2 to 10, but it can affect people of any age.

well, you're lucky you dont live in georgia, a third world united states "state" where polio among young people still runs rampant. they also have cases of bubonic plague,diptheria and a few cases of small pox,....i'm being totally serious here!......in 1995 there were 2 cases of small pox and 1 case of the plague, i saw personally at least ten teenage and younger kids with polio.

Hiya
I had scarlet fever about 6 years ago, I was ill for about 2 weeks but I was fine after that. The only side effect I had was that the skin on my hands and feet started to peel. im sure your granddaughter will be just fine.
Lucy xx