Health Topics A-Z

What Are the Symptoms?

• Fever.
• A red, raised, lattice-like rash, usually on the chest, back, and abdomen.
• Swollen, tender, red, and extremely painful joints — particularly the knees or ankles.
• Nodules, or small bony protuberances, over the swollen joints.
• Sometimes, weakness and shortness of breath.
• Sometimes, uncontrolled movements of arms, legs, or facial muscles.

These symptoms often begin one to six weeks after a strep throat infection has appeared to clear up. Sometimes, however, people with rheumatic fever do not recall having had a sore throat.

Call Your Doctor If:

• You are experiencing the symptoms listed in the description section, particularly if you remember having recently had a sore throat. You may have rheumatic fever and should receive medical attention.
• You have a sore throat without other cold symptoms, accompanied by a fever higher than 101°F. You may have strep throat and should receive medical attention.
• You experience sudden and unexplained joint pain after recovering from strep throat. The strep infection may have spread and should be medically treated.