rheumatic fever

rheumatic fever An illness that occurs in the wake of a streptococcus infection (strep throat, or related condition) or scarlet fever, primarily in children. Symptoms include fever, pain in the joints, nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. Rheumatic fever can cause long-lasting effects in the joints, heart, brain, and skin. Rheumatic fever may be followed by Sydenham’s chorea and by symptoms characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder or a tic disorder. Treatment usually involves use of prophylactic antibiotics, as reoccurrence is common and can cause further damage to body tissues. See also Sydenham’s chorea.