Rheumatic fever is a serious but potentially preventable illness that often starts with a strep throat infection. Without treatment, this type of infection can cause rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can damage a person's heart valves — this is called rheumatic heart disease.

To prevent rheumatic fever, it is crucial to:

Diagnose and treat strep throat infections promptly and effectively. Preventing the spread of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, which causes strep throat, is also vital. In areas with higher rates of rheumatic fever, broader social and environmental factors must be addressed. 

Primary prevention: Treating strep throat

• Get every sore throat checked promptly. This is especially important for children and young people between the ages of 3 and 35 in high-risk populations, such as Māori and Pacific people in New Zealand.
• Complete the full course of antibiotics. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for a strep throat infection, finish the entire 10-day course, even if you feel better sooner. This kills all the strep bacteria and reduces the risk of rheumatic fever.
• Consider school-based programs. Some communities offer school-based sore throat swabbing programs to help with early detection and treatment of GAS infections. 

Preventing the spread of strep bacteria

• Practice good hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Do not share personal items. Avoid sharing food, drinks, or cutlery with others, as strep bacteria can be spread even when people do not have symptoms.
• Isolate when sick. If you are sick with a sore throat or skin infection, avoid preparing food for others. Children should stay home from school or daycare until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
• Address household crowding. Because strep bacteria spread more easily in crowded conditions, reducing household crowding can help lower the risk of infection.