The following are the most common symptoms of rheumatic fever. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. The joints affected are usually the larger joints in the knees or ankles. The inflammation moves from one joint to another over several days. Children ages 5 to 15, particularly if they experience frequent strep throat infections, are most at risk for developing rheumatic fever.
Rheumatic fever is also more common in children who have a family history of the disease.
There is an increased prevalence of rheumatic fever in the winter and spring, as strep throats occur more frequently during these seasons. Strep infections are contagious, but rheumatic fever is not. The diagnosis of rheumatic fever can be made when two of the major criteria, or one major criterion plus two minor criteria, are present along with evidence of a streptococcal infection. There is no definitive test to diagnose rheumatic fever. Blood work is also usually done to assist in making a diagnosis.