Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that may develop
after an infection with group A Streptococcus bacteria (such as
strep throat or scarlet fever). The disease can affect the
heart, joints, skin, and brain. Acute rheumatic fever Causes,
incidence, and risk factors Rheumatic fever is common worldwide
and is responsible for many cases of damaged heart valves. It is
not common in the United States, and usually occurs in isolated
outbreaks. The latest outbreak was in the 1980s. Rheumatic fever
mainly affects children ages 5 -15, and occurs approximately
14-28 days after strep throat or scarlet fever. Several major
and minor criteria have been developed to help standardize
rheumatic fever diagnosis. Meeting these criteria, as well as
having evidence of a recent streptococcal infection, can help
confirm that you have rheumatic fever. You'll likely be
diagnosed with rheumatic fever if you meet two major criteria,
or one major and two minor criteria, and have signs that you've
had a previous strep infection.