What is the rheumatic fever prevention Programme?
The RFPP was established in 2011 to prevent and treat strep throat infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever. The programme was expanded significantly from 2012 following the introduction of the five-year rheumatic fever Better Public Services target.
How common is rheumatic fever in NZ?
First episode rheumatic fever hospitalisations, rate per 100,000, by age group, 2020/21
| Numbers | Rate per 100,000 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 years | 5 | 1.6 |
| 5–14 years | 72 | 10.9 |
| 15–24 years | 15 | 2.3 |
| 25–44 years | 11 | 0.8 |
What is rheumatic fever NZ?
About rheumatic fever Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disease. It happens when your child’s immune system makes a mistake and attacks other parts of your child’s body, as well as the strep throat germs. Most strep throats get better and don’t lead to rheumatic fever.
What is the difference between rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease?
Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can affect many connective tissues, especially in the heart.
What is the pathophysiology of rheumatic fever?
Etiology and Pathophysiology Rheumatic fever is a late inflammatory, nonsuppurative complication of pharyngitis that is caused by group A-hemolytic streptococci. Rheumatic fever results from humoral and cellular-mediated immune responses occurring 1-3 weeks after the onset of streptococcal pharyngitis.
What are the complications of rheumatic fever?
Rheumatic fever can cause long-term complications in certain situations. One of the most prevalent complications is rheumatic heart disease….What complications are associated with rheumatic fever?
- Aortic valve stenosis.
- Aortic regurgitation.
- Heart muscle damage.
- Atrial fibrillation.
- Heart failure.
What antibiotics are used to treat rheumatic fever?
Rheumatic fever is preventable by treating strep throat with antibiotics, usually penicillin. If a patient is allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics such as erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab, E.E.S, Eryped, PCE) or clindamycin (Cleocin) can be used.
Can adults get rheumatic fever?
Although anyone can get rheumatic fever, it is more common in school-age children (5 through 15 years old). Rheumatic fever is very rare in children younger than three years old and adults. Infectious illnesses, including group A strep, tend to spread wherever large groups of people gather together.
Can I get the Covid vaccine if I have rheumatic fever?
It is important for people age 12 years and older with underlying health conditions, including rheumatic heart disease, to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Although most healthy children and young people have mild COVID-19, those with certain medical conditions are at increased risk from severe COVID-19.
Can rheumatic fever be cured?
Rheumatic fever doesn’t have a cure, but treatments can manage the condition. Getting a precise diagnosis soon after symptoms show up can prevent the disease from causing permanent damage. Severe complications are rare. When they occur, they may affect the heart, joints, nervous system or skin.
Is rheumatic fever a disability?
One of those categories is “Other Health Impairment,” or OHI, for short. Within OHI’s definition, numerous disabilities and medical conditions are explicitly named. Rheumatic fever is one such.