Acute rheumatic fever is an illness caused by an autoimmune response to a bacterial group A streptococcal infection, which is also called a Strep A infection.
Rheumatic heart disease is damage to the valves in the heart that develops after acute rheumatic fever.
Diagnosis of both acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease require an assessment of symptoms and clinical testing. Treatment involves regular antibiotics and medical care.
There are several opportunities to prevent illness and slow disease progression: improving environmental conditions, treating Strep A infections, preventing recurrent acute rheumatic fever, and avoiding complications of rheumatic heart disease.
The Champions4Change motto is ‘inspiring, caring and sharing’. Inspiring others to take charge and make a difference, caring for others with ARF and RHD, and sharing ideas and stories, especially from those who have the experience of living with this disease.
This article was first published in the Australian College of Midwives quarterly magazine, Australian Midwifery News The Champions4Change... Read on
A report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has shown that the burden of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and... Read on
Released in February last year, the 2020 Australian guideline for prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and... Read on
