Scarlet Fever is sometimes misdiagnosed as Measles

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Measles, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Scarlet Fever.

Scarlett fever is a complication that develops in some cases of bacterial infection with strep throat. It results in a characteristic bright red rash that covers the majority of the body and is also accompanied with a sore throat and high fever. It’s an illness of childhood that if not treated the infection can spread to throughout the body and cause abscesses (pockets of pus) around the tonsils, ear, sinus and skin infections, pneumonia, rheumatic fever (heart disease), kidney disease and arthritis. As with infections that present with vague rashes it can be misdiagnosed as measles or rubella; other common diseases of childhood.

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

Flushed face, strawberry tongue, red rash, red lines

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

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