Scarlet Fever death rate 1849-1930Scarlet Fever was a bacterial infection caused by a strain of the same virus that causes the common sore throat. However, unlike the sore throat, Scarlet Fever could cause serious illness with lasting consequences. Nowadays Scarlet Fever is milder and is no longer the feared disease it once was.
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What were the symptoms of Scarlet fever?
Symptoms included a sore throat and swollen glands, followed by a red rash on the face and body and a white coating on the tongue. The heart and kidneys could be damaged too. After a couple of weeks the skin on the hands and feet would peel and the tongue would be raw.