Scarlet Fever (Noun)
Meaning
An acute communicable disease (usually in children) characterized by fever and a red rash.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The child was diagnosed with scarlet fever after developing a bright red rash on her cheeks and a high temperature.
- Scarlet fever was a common illness in the 19th century, but its incidence decreased with the introduction of antibiotics.
- The rash of scarlet fever is typically followed by peeling of the skin, particularly on the hands and feet.
- Scarlet fever is caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, the same bacteria that cause strep throat.
- If left untreated, scarlet fever can lead to serious complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever.