What Is Rheumatic Fever? A rare but potentially life-threatening disease, rheumatic fever is a complication of untreated strep throat caused by bacteria called group Streptococcus . The main symptoms are fever, muscle aches, swollen and painful joints, and in some cases, a red, lattice-like rash typically begin two to four weeks after a bout of strep. In some cases, though, the infection may have been too mild to have been recognised. The knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists are the joints most likely to become swollen from rheumatic fever.
The pain often migrates from one joint to another. However, the greatest danger from the disease is the damage it can do to the heart. In more than half of all cases, rheumatic fever scars the valves of the heart, forcing this vital organ to work harder to pump blood. Over a period of months or even years -- particularly if the disease strikes again…
