04/08/2025
❤️ Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Awareness Week
Let’s talk about two serious—but preventable—conditions that still affect many, especially in underserved communities.
What is Rheumatic Fever (RF)?
RF can develop after an untreated bacterial throat infection (pharyngitis) caused by Strep A. In some, the immune system overreacts, triggering an autoimmune response that damages healthy tissues—especially in the heart, joints, brain, and skin.
What is Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD)?
RHD is long-term heart valve damage caused by repeated RF episodes. It can lead to heart failure, stroke, and even early death, especially in teens and young adults.
🚩 Who is at risk?
RF and RHD are more common where people live in crowded homes, lack access to clean water or basic healthcare, and where strep infections go untreated.
Children aged 5–14, and pregnant women with underlying heart conditions, are especially vulnerable.
💡 The good news? It's preventable.
✅ Act early:
If you or your child has fever, sore throat (without cough), or swollen glands, see a doctor.
If Strep is diagnosed, a full course of antibiotics is essential to prevent RF.
✅ Already had RF?
Monthly penicillin injections can prevent heart damage.
📍 In South Africa, RHD is still a leading cause of preventable heart disease. Let’s change that with awareness, early treatment, and access to care.
🩺 If you’re unsure whether it’s “just a sore throat,” rather check. Early treatment saves lives—and hearts.
