Regis Jesuit High Student Suffering From Scarlet Fever
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4)- One student at Regis Jesuit High School has come down with scarlet fever and it's possible another student had symptoms over the holiday break.
Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that develops in some people who have strep throat and features a bright red rash that covers most of the body. Scarlet fever is almost always accompanied by a sore throat and a high fever.
According to the Mayo Clinic website, scarlet fever is most common in children 5 to 15 years old. At one time scarlet fever was considered a serious illness, antibiotic treatments have made it less threatening but if left untreated it can result in more serious conditions that affect the heart, kidneys and others parts of the body.
Additional information about signs and symptoms of scarlet fever:
- Red rash. The rash looks like a sunburn and feels like sandpaper. It typically begins on the face or neck and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs. If pressure is applied to the reddened skin, it will turn pale.
- Red lines. The folds of skin around the groin, armpits, elbows, knees and neck usually become a deeper red than the surrounding rash.
- Flushed face. The face may appear flushed with a pale ring around the mouth.
- Strawberry tongue. The tongue generally looks red and bumpy, and it's often covered with a white coating early in the disease.
The rash and the redness in the face and tongue usually last about a week. After these signs and symptoms have subsided, the skin affected by the rash often peels. Other signs and symptoms associated with scarlet fever include: - Fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or higher, often with chills
- Very sore and red throat, sometimes with white or yellowish patches
- Difficulty swallowing
- Enlarged glands in the neck (lymph nodes) that are tender to the touch
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
When to see a doctor
Talk to your doctor if your child has a sore throat with:
- A fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher
- Swollen or tender glands in the neck
- A red rash
