Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is a condition caused by a toxin secreted by a bacterium called Group A Haemolytic Streptococcus. The toxin is called erythrogenic, and it is produced following infection of the tonsils, usually after contact with a sufferer who spreads the germ by coughing. The bright scarlet rash covers the body and face but does not affect the area around the mouth, and the tongue has bright red spots which commit the appearance of the strawberry.. This is predominantly a disease of childhood, though it can affect young adults. Before the development of antibiotics this was a serious disease with significant mortality. It is now eminently treatable.
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