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.
Prepared by Sara Noonan RHDAustralia acknowledges that the figures presented in this article are not just numbers on the page but... Read on
By Sara Noonan Borderline RHD Borderline RHD is defined as echocardiographic features which are abnormal but do not fulfil criteria for the... Read on
By Alma Fulurija, Project Lead for the Australian Strep A Vaccine Initiative (ASAVI). Group A streptococcus (Strep A) is among the... Read on
