How does scarlet fever attack and spread?
Scarlet fever is caused by certain strains of the group A streptococci bacteria (which also causes strep throat) and it is common to think of scarlet fever as strep throat with a rash. Symptoms usually develop about 1 to 7 days (incubation period) after being exposed to someone with strep throat or scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is most common in children under 10 years old and begins with a fever and sore throat. Other symptoms can include vomiting, headache, chills and abdominal pain. Many children with this infection have a high fever initially, which may reach 103 to 104 degrees F. Without treatment, the fever may last 5 to 7 days, but usually quickly goes down within a day after starting antibiotic therapy.
