what is rheumatic fever
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever. Strep throat and scarlet fever are caused by an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria.Rheumatic fever is most common in 5- to 15-year-old children, though it can develop in younger children and adults.trep throat and scarlet fever are caused by an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria. Rheumatic fever is most common in 5- to 15-year-old children, though it can develop in younger children and adults.