[Comment] Scarlet fever makes a comeback

Epidemic scarlet fever or scarlatina caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) resulted in significant mortality and morbidity in the 19th and early 20th centuries, then receded as a major public health problem before the introduction of widespread antibiotic use.1 –3 Although sporadic cases of scarlet fever continue to occur, these episodes are not associated with the high mortality that has been previously documented during epidemics. Characteristic symptoms of scarlet fever that aid in diagnosis include a finely papular erythematous red rash, so-called st rawberry tongue, and exudative pharyngitis.
Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Tags: Comment Source Type: research