Rheumatic fever

Rheumatic fever, feverish illness, following infection with streptococcus and leading to systemic disease. It occurs mainly in children age 5–15. Symptoms include skin rash, subcutaneous nodules, and a migrating arthritis. Involvement of the heart (rheumatic heart disease) may lead to palpitations, chest pain, cardiac failure, myocarditis, inflammation of the pericardium, and permanent heart damage. Treatment includes bed rest, aspirin, and steroids. Penicillin treatment of this noncontagious disease may prevent recurrence.