Keith+Harder's+Scarlet+Fever+Project

= Scarlet fever, what is it?=
 * Scarlet Fever**

Scarlet fever is a disease that is caused by //Streptococcus pyogenes// bacteria.These bacteria are cocci (sphere) shaped and are roughly 0.5-1.2 µm in size. //S. pyogenes// produce erythrogenic toxin which causes scarlet fever. =The effects of scarlet fever .=

The symptoms of scarlet fever include fever, sore throat, chills, vomiting, abdominal pain, whitish coating on the tongue, swollen tongue, swollen tonsils, and a high fever of 38.3° C (101° F). A major sign of scarlet fever is a red rash that can appear all over ones body or in isolated areas. The rash can appear before or after symptoms occur. It begins as red blotches on the skin and then turns into small bumps.The bacteria targets cardiac, neuronal, skeletal, and smooth muscle tissues. Complications of scarlet fever include rheumatic fever, kidney disease, skin and ear infections, and abscesses of the throat. == == =How does one treat scarlet fever ?=

Doctors will usually perscribe an antibiotic like penicillin to kill the bacteria. Symptoms usually disappear rapidly while the characteristic rash can last 2-3 weeks. // Streptococcus pyogenes // has not shown resistance to antibiotics. = = =How is the bacteria that causes scarlet fever transmitted?=

// Streptococcus pyogenes // is commonly spread though the air in droplets produced by coughs and sneezes. It can also be transmitted by sharing a drinking glass, by touching sores/rashes of an infected person or by fomites (objects and surfaces capable of carrying bacteria).

=Ways to prevent oneself from getting scarlet fever .= == Although there is no vaccine for scarlet fever, it is easy to protect oneself from getting the disease. Washing hands regularly along with avoiding sharing eating utensils, plates, towels, and other personal items are effective ways of preventing scarlet fever. =References.=

[|http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/228936-overview#showall] [] [] [] [] []

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