Scarlet Fever

Scarlet Fever is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, the same bacteria responsible for strep throat. It commonly affects children, presenting with a characteristic bright red rash and fever, often following a strep throat infection.

0
Countries Affected
No data
Recent Cases (30d)
0
Active Outbreaks
N/A
Last Updated
📱 iOS App Temporarily Unavailable

We're working with Apple to restore our app to the App Store.

Get notified when it's back:
Email [email protected] (subject: REMINDER) or check back in a few days.

Track in App
Temporarily Unavailable
Track in App View Active Outbreaks

What is Scarlet Fever?

Scarlet Fever was a feared and often fatal childhood disease, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, before the discovery of antibiotics. Its incidence dramatically declined with the introduction of penicillin. However, there have been periodic resurgences of Scarlet Fever in various parts of the world in recent decades.

Symptoms

  • Rash: A bright red rash that feels like sandpaper, usually starting on the neck and chest and spreading to the rest of the body.
  • Sore Throat: Severe sore throat, often with red and swollen tonsils.
  • Fever: High fever (101°F or higher).
  • Strawberry Tongue: A white coating on the tongue that peels to reveal a red, bumpy surface.
  • Flushed Face: A flushed face with a pale area around the mouth.
  • Swollen Glands: Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck.

Transmission

Scarlet Fever spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected saliva or nasal secretions, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one's mouth or nose. Close contact in crowded environments facilitates its spread.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

  • Hand Washing: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating.
  • Avoid Sharing: Do not share eating utensils, cups, towels, or other personal items.
  • Cover Coughs/Sneezes: Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or the elbow when coughing or sneezing.
  • Stay Home When Sick: Keep children home from school or daycare when they are sick to prevent spreading the infection. There is no vaccine available for Scarlet Fever.

Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases

Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance

Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies

No Active Outbreaks Detected

Our AI-powered surveillance hasn't detected significant Scarlet Fever activity in the past 30 days.

Real-time monitoring continues 24/7 across BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ global health agencies

What This Means

Currently, Scarlet Fever case counts are within baseline expectations globally. However, diseases can emerge rapidly, which is why continuous monitoring is critical.

Stay Prepared

Download the Virus Watcher app to get instant alerts if Scarlet Fever activity increases in your region or travel destinations.

Prevention Remains Important

Even without active outbreaks, understanding Scarlet Fever prevention helps protect you and your community:

  • Hand Washing: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating.
  • Avoid Sharing: Do not share eating utensils, cups, towels, or other personal items.
  • Cover Coughs/Sneezes: Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or the elbow when coughing or sneezing.
  • Stay Home When Sick: Keep children home from school or daycare when they are sick to prevent spreading the infection. There is no vaccine available for Scarlet Fever.
View Live Alerts

Track Scarlet Fever and 200+ other diseases with personalized alerts

Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

View CDC Resources →

WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources →

Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

View Research →

Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03

Stay Ahead of Scarlet Fever Outbreaks

Get real-time alerts and intelligence on Scarlet Fever and 200+ other diseases. Used by healthcare systems, EMS, schools, and travelers worldwide.

📱 iOS App Temporarily Unavailable

We're working with Apple to restore our app to the App Store.

Get notified when it's back:
Email [email protected] (subject: REMINDER) or check back in a few days.

Download App
Temporarily Unavailable
Download App Enterprise Solutions