The Infection that Plagues Our Young Children

Find what you need to know about one of the most widespreadеd diseases among our children

Scarlet fever is widespread childhood infection, especially in countries with temperate and cold climates 

Scarlet fever (scarlatina) is widespread childhood infection, especially in countries with temperate and cold climates. Scarlet fever is a caused by a group of A streptococci

The only source of infection is another sick person

The most dangerous are infected with mild infections. The mechanism of transmission is airborne, the air is being infected by speaking, coughing, sneezing and separation of spray droplets and saliva. Transmission of infection can happen also from the food, most often with dairy products. It is not excluded to be transmitted through dirty hands or objects.

The increased incidence of scarlet fever in the autumn and winter

It is associated with the beginning of the school year and the children stay indoors (schools, kindergartens and nurseries). Most often the infection is transmitted to children from 1 to 10 years of age.

The ‘front door’ is the infection of the lining of the upper respiratory tract.

The incubation period is from 4 to 6 days

Onset of the disease is acute, with fever, headache, fever – up to 38 – 39 degrees, sore throat, vomiting, impaired general condition. Mucosa of the pharynx, soft palate and tonsils are fiery. The tongue is heavily taxed, but the tip and edges remain free of the ‘coating’. Submandibular and cervical lymph nodes are enlarged and tender. Face and cheeks are swollen with fiery red color. Rash affects the upper part of the neck. Only for a few hours it can cover the whole body. The skin is very red and dry. The greatest rash is on the forearms, elbows and knees, lower abdomen and inner thigh.

Source : dailyhealtharticles[dot]com