Acuterheumatic fever is an inflammation that may affect many parts of the body. It can be a complication of streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), a type of bacterial infection of the throat.

Single or repeated episodes of rheumatic fever can lead to chronic rheumatic heart disease.

Fortunately, not all streptococcal throat infections are followed by rheumatic fever. Signs of rheumatic fever usually begin 2 to 3 weeks after infection, but may appear as early as 1 week or as late as 5 weeks.

Alth...