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Sore throats
A child’s untreated sore throat (‘strep throat’) can lead to rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is a serious preventable disease which may cause permanent heart damage.
Get a sore throat checked right away. Don't ignore it.
There are lots of places you can get a sore throat checked.
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You can go to your doctor or nurse, or
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Click here for information about school based throat swabbing programmes in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes
Rheumatic fever
Often starts with a sore throat (a streptococcal infection). A few weeks later the following symptoms may develop:
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sore or swollen joints
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a skin rash
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a fever
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stomach pain
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jerky movements.
Although these symptoms may disappear, the heart valves may be permanently damaged – this is called Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).
Rheumatic fever is not uncommon in the Bay of Plenty. Those most at risk of developing rheumatic fever are:
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children aged between 4-19 years
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Maori and Pacific (90% of cases in the Bay of Plenty are Maori)
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people who share a house with lots of others
For further information on rheumatic fever, click on the links below:
Or contact Lindsay Lowe, Rheumatic Fever Co-ordinator (07) 577 3790 or email lindsay.lowe@bopdhb.govt.nz
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