01/08/2026
Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Awareness Week
Observed from 1 to 7 August, the campaign raises awareness that untreated strep throat can lead to acute rheumatic fever and, in some cases, permanent heart valve damage.
Key Facts and Prevention
The Cause: Acute rheumatic fever is an autoimmune reaction following a Group A streptococcal infection (strep throat or scarlet fever) that is not treated properly.
Heart Damage: Repeated or severe episodes of rheumatic fever can lead to rheumatic heart disease (RHD), where the heart valves are permanently damaged, potentially causing heart failure or stroke.
Symptoms to Watch For:
* Severe, shifting joint pain and swelling (especially in the knees, elbows, and wrists)
* Fever and extreme fatigue
* Uncontrolled or jerky body movements (chorea)
100% Preventable: The disease can be entirely prevented if a strep throat infection is caught early and treated with a simple course of antibiotics (like penicillin)