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A disease that can happen when a person doesn't receive proper treatment for strep throat or scarlet fever.

Rheumatic fever is a complication of strep throat or scarlet fever that isn't treated properly. Group A streptococcus bacteria cause the condition. Rheumatic fever causes swelling in the heart, joints, skin and central nervous system. This swelling, called inflammation, may lead to heart valve problems and heart failure.

Symptoms include fever, chest pain, extreme tiredness, and swollen, painful and tender joints. Symptoms may come and go or change.

Treatment involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria and medicines to ease pain and swelling. Some people need antibiotics for many years.