Sri Lankan Journal of Infectious Diseases (Jun 2022)

A case report of scarlet fever: An uncommon diagnosis for fever and rash

  • P. S. M. J. U. Samarakoon,
  • S. Ganesan,
  • R. K. C. N. Senarathne,
  • N. S. Chandrasiri

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4038/sljid.v12i2.8468
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 2
pp. 1 – 5

Abstract

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Streptococcus pyogenes is a pathogen capable of causing a wide spectrum of diseases including pharyngitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, with a range of complications and outcomes. Even though it is not an uncommon pathogen, reports of scarlet fever are scarce in Sri Lanka. We describe a case of scarlet fever in a seven-year-old boy with typical features. The child presented with high fever, body aches, vomiting, loss of appetite and a rash and developed pharyngitis and a strawberry tongue during the ward stay. A pure growth of group A Streptococcus was isolated from a throat swab taken on admission. He improved with appropriate treatment and recovered without complications. The importance of throat swab culture and clinical correlation is illustrated in this case report.

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