Diagnosis, management, and prevention of acute rheumatic fever in the United States

Acute rheumatic fever is a multisystem autoimmune disease caused by infection with group A streptococcus. The condition most commonly affects children ages 5 to 14 years who are from low-income populations. The diagnosis is clinical; however, the 2015 Jones Criteria can help support it. Acute rheumatic fever poses a significant health risk secondary to rheumatic heart disease. Although acute rheumatic fever is rare in the United States, outbreaks still occur, and certain populations continue to be at increased risk. This article describes how to identify acute rheumatic fever and provides prompt management and prevention strategies to reduce patient risk for lifelong complications.