rheumatic fever
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory reaction that can occur after a streptococcal infection of the throat (strep throat). Most of the time strep throat doesn’t lead to rheumatic fever, but when it does it typically develops two to four weeks later. Symptoms can include sudden onset of a sore throat, especially with painful swallowing, fever, and tender, swollen glands under the jaw. Rheumatic fever is not contagious and can almost always be prevented if strep throat is treated.
