February 3, 2021, 4:43 am | Read time: 4 minutes

Stick out your tongue, please. Is it deep red? That’s not good. Such a “strawberry tongue” is often a sign of scarlet fever. It’s an infectious disease caused by bacteria–specifically A-streptococci. A sore throat, rash, and fever are often the result.

Scarlet fever affects more than just children

Scarlet fever is considered a classic childhood disease, but that doesn’t mean adults are automatically spared. “People of any age can contract it, but children between the ages of three and twelve are significantly more affected,” explains Prof. Andreas Podbielski from the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology, and Hygiene at the University Medical Center Rostock.

Also of interest: Childhood diseases parents should know about

A highly contagious disease

The disease is highly contagious. In kindergartens and schools, scarlet fever bacteria can spread quickly. Infection occurs through pathogen-containing droplets spread by coughing, sneezing, or contaminated hands.

Symptoms appear by the third day after infection. “The symptoms can vary greatly,” says Podbielski. In addition to a sore throat and fever, a non-itchy rash with many red spots usually develops on the body. There’s also the “strawberry tongue.”

“Children may also experience stomach pain and vomiting,” says Düsseldorf pediatrician Hermann Josef Kahl. Fatigue and swollen tonsils are also possible.

What should you do if these symptoms appear? The first rule is to stay away from kindergartens, schools, or places where you might encounter many other people. Even if there’s only a suspicion of scarlet fever.

Adults who are actually or possibly infected should not engage in professional activities involving contact with others. This contact ban remains in place until lifted by the treating physician. The first point of contact for patients suspected of having scarlet fever is the pediatrician or general practitioner.

Also of interest: How to tell if you have a weak immune system

More on the topic

Caution: Contagious! Childhood Illnesses Parents Should Know

Highly Contagious Impetigo – Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Scarlet fever treatment with antibiotics

Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin tablets. For children, there are either penicillin syrup or cephalosporin or macrolide tablets. In some cases, pain and fever-reducing medications are also prescribed to alleviate symptoms.

Symptoms often subside after a few days. “In most cases, there is no longer a risk of infection 24 hours after the first dose of antibiotics,” says Andreas Podbielski. Penicillin is taken for ten days, while children take the medication for five to seven days.

If symptoms like fever or pus-filled spots on the body persist 24 hours after the first dose of antibiotics, affected individuals should only return to daycares, schools, or workplaces with high customer contact once the symptoms have subsided. “This can take 14 days or longer,” Podbielski notes.

The tricky thing about scarlet fever: A mild course of the disease is hard to distinguish from a sore throat. However, if an infection with streptococci goes untreated, the bacteria can spread through the bloodstream and cause severe illnesses, such as acute kidney inflammation.

Also of interest: Do you always have to finish the antibiotic pack?

How to protect yourself against scarlet fever

Having had scarlet fever once does not make you immune. This is because the bacteria have subgroups. “You are only protected from contracting the same subgroup again,” Kahl explains.

There is no vaccine against scarlet fever. It’s all the more important to avoid contact with those who are still contagious. The key is to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with water and soap.

with material from dpa