Algoma Public Health
Scarlet Fever
What is it?
- A disease caused by the streptococcus bacteria.
- More common in children than adults.
What are the symptoms?
- Bright red cheeks and a fine red rash (feels like sandpaper.)
- Rash appears most often on the neck, chest, underarms, elbows, groin and inner thighs.
- Strawberry tongue.
- A high fever, nausea and vomiting, if infection is severe.
- Sore throat, headache, swollen tender glands in the neck (like strep throat.)
- Peeling of the skin on the fingertips, toes, palms and soles of your feet during recovery.
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How quickly do symptoms develop?
- Within 1 – 3 days after coming in contact with the illness.
How is it spread?
- By contact with discharges from the nose or mouth of someone carrying the bacteria.
- From coughs and sneezes of an infected person.
How long is it contagious?
- Until antibiotics have been taken for 24 hours.
How is it treated?
- Medication prescribed by a doctor.
What can you do?
- If symptoms develop, contact your doctor.
- Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection; e.g. after wiping your nose, before eating or preparing food.
- No sharing of personal items (e.g. straws, cups)
- Make sure you take all medication prescribed.
For further information contact the Communicable Disease Control Program at 705-942-4646 or toll free at 1-866-892-0172.
Date of Creation: June 1, 2015
Last Modified: Feb 25, 2016