Finding Information Online About Scarlet Fever

Scarlet Fever is an acute infection that is caused by group A betahemolytic streptococcus. The bacteria produces a strong toxin that, when absorbed into the blood stream, causes symptoms of fever, headache, rapid pulse, vomiting, and rash. It is the rash which has given scarlet fever its name. If a child develops an illness that seems like strep throat, along with rash, there is a good chance it is scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is not just a children’s disease, although it most often affects children between the ages of 2 and 8, it can affect adults too.

The internet can be a good source of information and education for those wanting to find out more about this contagious disease. Here are some good online sites dealing with the topic of scarlet fever:

WebMD produces a site called “emedicine” that carries a great variety of medical and health care information. The article titled, “Scarlet Fever” can be found at http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic518.htm. This page is doctor written and reviewed, and while it is rather clinical, it has detailed and complete information about this condition. The article is organized in an outline style and provides information about the symptoms and treatment, as well as how this has gone from such a deadly disease a couple centuries ago, to a very treatable childhood illness.

Another very informative article dedicated to scarlet fever can be found on the Kidshealth for Parents website. The page is available at http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/scarlet_fever.html and provides a very readable overview of the illness - including extensive information on the symptoms and how to care for a child who has scarlet fever.