Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease community information

This webpage provides information about acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD), which occur in high numbers in some Aboriginal communities. It highlights the signs to look out for and explains the importance of going to the clinic for early treatment.

If not treated early, rheumatic fever can damage your heart. Always get sore throats, skin sores, joint pain or fever checked at the clinic.

Strep germ

Rheumatic fever is an illness caused by the strep germ.

This germ likes to set up camp in your throat or your skin. It can make you feel sick and can sometimes cause damage to your heart.

If you have a sore throat or skin sores, go to the clinic for treatment to stop rheumatic fever.

Rheumatic fever

Rheumatic fever can cause:

  • fever
  • sore or swollen joints
  • heart problems – chest pain, racing heart, difficulty breathing
  • strange twitches or jerky movements of the hands, legs, tongue or face.

If you or a family member have any of these signs/symptoms, go to the clinic to get it checked out.

Rheumatic fever mostly affects Aboriginal children and young people aged 5 to 14 years, especially in remote and rural communities.

If you’ve had rheumatic fever, you will need regular penicillin injections to stop any damage to your heart. Penicillin protects you and keeps your heart strong by killing the strep germ.

Even if you are feeling good you still need to have your needle. Having your needles on time means you won’t get sick again with rheumatic fever.

Rheumatic heart disease

Rheumatic heart disease is long term damage to your heart from rheumatic fever. The valves of the heart become stretched and scarred and don’t work like they should.

Every time you have rheumatic fever, your heart damage can get worse. It is important to protect your heart from the strep germ.

Seeing your specialist (heart doctor) will also help you keep your heart strong. It is important to have your heart checked regularly with an ultrasound called an echocardiogram.

Keep your teeth clean and go to the dentist every year. Clean and healthy teeth help keep the bugs away.

Things to remember

Get sore throats and skin sores treated straight away.

Go to the clinic if you have a fever and or swollen/painful joints.

Have your penicillin injections on time to keep your heart strong.