Scarlet Fever?? Strep Throat with a Rash??
Believe it or not, Zachary has Scarlet Fever...who would have guessed.
"Scarlet fever is basically strep throat with an accompanying rash. It starts as an upper respiratory infection caused by type A streptococcal bacteria — the same bacteria that cause strep throat and some skin infections. The bacteria then release a toxin that causes the rash. Scarlet fever generally starts off with a sore throat, headache, and fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Early in the infection, your toddler's tongue may have a white or yellowish coating. (Later, it may turn red.) The bumps on his tongue may appear larger than normal, a condition called strawberry tongue. The telltale rash commonly breaks out on the second day and typically lasts about two to five days. It usually begins as a mass of tiny red spots in the armpits, neck, chest, and groin area and rapidly spreads over the body. The bumps feel like fine sandpaper and may itch."
That describes Zachary exactly...especially the weird looking strawberry tongue and body rash. Funny thing is he never complained of a sore throat. His rapid stress test came back positive and the doctor diagnosed him by his signs and symptoms before seeing the results of the rapid strep test! I would have never guessed! Now, he is on antibiotics and hopefully will feel much better tomorrow! But right now he still has a fever of 102!! Ugghh!
