Risk factors

Anyone can get scarlet fever, but some factors can increase the risk of getting this infection.

Age

Scarlet fever, like strep throat, is more common in children than adults.

• Most common: Children 5 through 15 years old
• Less common: Children younger than 3 years old

Close contact

Close contact with another person with scarlet fever is the most common risk factor for illness. For example, if someone has scarlet fever, the bacteria often spread to other people in their household.

Contact with children: Parents of school-age children and others who are often in contact with children are at increased risk.

Crowded settings can increase the risk of getting a group A strep infection. These settings include:

• Child care centers and schools
• Detention or correctional facilities
• Homeless shelters
• Military training facilities

Causes

Group A Streptococcus (group A strep bacteria) cause scarlet fever and are contagious.

Prevention

There are things people can do to protect themselves and others from group A strep infections, including scarlet fever. Steps you can take include:

• Practice good hygiene, including
  • Washing hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Covering coughs and sneezes
• Seek health care if you think you have a group A strep infection

• Testing and diagnosis

  If a healthcare provider suspects scarlet fever, there are several types of tests they can use.

  Treatment and recovery

  Healthcare providers treat strep throat with antibiotics. Learn what to do if you test positive for scarlet fever.