Rheumatic Fever

Overview

Mayo Clinic specialists have extensive experience in treating children with rheumatic fever. Mayo physicians were pioneers in the field of heart disease in children and established Mayo Clinic as a center for the diagnosis and surgical treatment of many heart defects. A team of experts work together to provide the most appropriate treatment for each patient. This integrated approach is essential to achieve the optimal outcome for the patient.

Diagnosis

The symptoms of rheumatic fever usually appear one to five weeks after the child has been infected with streptococcus. Rheumatic fever may develop slowly, starting with a mild infection of the heart. However, each child's symptoms can differ. Read more about rheumatic fever diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Children who have rheumatic fever are often treated in the hospital, depending on the severity of the disease. Treatment for rheumatic fever can involve several approaches, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, bed rest and, in the most serious cases, surgical repair of damaged heart valves. Read more about rheumatic fever treatment options.

About Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is an illness that typically occurs in childhood. Rheumatic fever is not an infection, but rather the result of an untreated streptococcal infection, such as strep throat or scarlet fever. Today, it is seen in the United States in some children who have had strep infections that were untreated or inadequately treated. (An estimated 2 to 3 percent of people who have untreated group A streptococcal pharyngitis will develop acute rheumatic fever.) Although rheumatic fever can occur at any age, it is most frequent in children 5 to 15 years old. Read more about rheumatic fever.