A guide to protecting children and young adults against Rheumatic Fever
Did you know that our fānaú and young adults are almost 24 times more likely to end up in hospital with rheumatic fever compared with other ethnicities?
And it’s more serious in Auckland than in other regions.
24 is a large number, but we can bring it down if we act together, now.
What are the symptoms of rheumatic fever?
Rheumatic fever starts with a sore throat.
It’s not unusual for our children to get sore throats, but if they aren’t treated, it can lead to rheumatic fever.
This can then result in serious heart problems, which can be permanent.
Rheumatic fever also causes swelling and pain in the hips, knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists.
And you may also notice a skin rash, fever, or jerky movements.
