Scarlet fever!?

we're doing a project on scarlet fever, and are having a hard time research it. is it fatal, or how fatal is it? how many victims a year are there? how can you prevent it?

we've found some basic info already

Although Streptocci are probably the most inportant bacterial pathogen of human beings, and causes such common, dramatic, acute septic illnesses as sore throat, scarlet fever, lymphangitis, puerperal fever, and erysipelas, they are not fatal until certain serologic strains are capable of producing serious late complications, including acute rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis. For the most part, however, the majority of upper respiratory illnesses caused by group A streptocci are self-limited.

Epidemiological studies have no general reference to the number of people are infected by streptococcal bacterial infections. This branch of medicine focuses on primarily the races, sexes, and age group during any season throughout the year.

Thus, aerobic streptococcal infections are observed in all races, in both sexes, and at all ages and occur during any season of the year throughout the world. However, usually, these outbreaks are dramatic because a large number of persons are almost affected (commonly after eating contaminated foods) almost simultaneously.

There is no completly adequate method for the prevention of streptococcal infections. A number of procedures will limit the spread of the organism.

The problem is exceedingly complicated because group A streptococci occur in the upper respiratory tract of many indivisuals. When given to populations already experiencing an epidemic, this prophylatic measure (use of sulfonamides) will control the outbreak as long as the drug is administered; when discontinued, infections appear agin because sulfonamides do not eliminate the infecting organism.

Hope this answers your question!

It is rarely fatal nowadays. I don't know stats. 100 years ago it used to kill more people. Modern drugs and treatments reduce the fatality.

I had Scarlet Fever when I was 5 - obviously I didn't die. It would have been around 1949-50 Don't remember a whole lot about it, other than our house was quarantined.

First, you might want to do a little research about strep, as scarlet fever is caused by the bacteria that causes strep. I suggest the CDC.gov website as they have the most current and accurate information on all infectious disease. Nowadays with the availability of antiobiotics against strep, you will find that the mortality has decreased. You can prevent it by handwashing, covering mouth with sneeze or cough, proper treatment of strep throat, and not sharing eating utensils or kissing infected persons.