complications

Last reviewed 06/2022

Complications are rarely seen in scarlet fever.

During the early stages of the infections there is a small risk of acquiring the following:

  • middle ear disease
  • throat abscess  
  • sinusitis
  • pneumonia
  • meningitis
  • osteomyelitis
  • septic arthritis (1,2)

Late complications develop two to three weeks after the infection has subsided and include:

  • rheumatic fever
  • post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (2)

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