Symptoms
The symptoms of scarlet fever typically appear 1-4 days after exposure to the streptococcal bacteria. They include:
- Red, sandpapery rash that typically begins on the chest and abdomen before spreading to other parts of the body. The rash may feel rough to the touch and can be accompanied by itching.
- Fever, typically 101-104F
- Sore throat
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- White coating on the tongue
- Red, swollen tonsils
Causes
Scarlet fever is caused by a streptococcal infection, specifically Group A streptococcus bacteria. The infection is typically spread through direct contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person, although it can also be contracted by touching an object that has the bacteria on it and then touching one's mouth, nose or eyes.