Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Awareness Week is observed from 1 to 7 August each year in South Africa. The goal of this week is to educate communities about these two closely linked conditions—how they develop, how to recognise the symptoms, and most importantly, how to prevent them.

What is Rheumatic Fever?

Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory condition that can affect the joints, heart, skin, brain, and nervous system. It usually develops as a complication of untreated or poorly treated strep throat, caused by streptococcus bacteria.

It most commonly affects children between 5 and 15 years, but younger children and adults can also be at risk.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever

• Swollen, painful joints (especially knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists)

• Pain that moves from joint to joint

• Fatigue

• Jerky or uncontrolled body movements

• Heart murmur

What is Rheumatic Heart Disease?

If rheumatic fever is not treated properly, it can cause permanent damage to the heart—this condition is known as rheumatic heart disease (RHD). It is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in people under the age of 25.

Symptoms of rheumatic heart disease may include:

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Shortness of breath

• Swelling in the stomach, hands, or feet

• Fatigue

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Sadly, there is no cure for rheumatic heart disease. Once the heart valves are damaged, the effects are permanent. In severe cases, surgery is required to repair or replace the valves.

Prevention is Key

The good news is that rheumatic fever—and therefore rheumatic heart disease—can be prevented. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of strep throat with antibiotics can stop rheumatic fever from developing in the first place.

A Call to Action

This awareness week reminds us that rheumatic heart disease is entirely preventable, yet it continues to cause unnecessary illness and death—especially in poorer communities.

By spreading awareness, encouraging early treatment of sore throats, and supporting access to healthcare, we can help reduce the burden of this preventable disease.

Sources:
World Health Organization (WHO), Rare Diseases South Africa, RSA Department of Health