Generalized disease caused by certain types of streptococcus bacteria.
It occurs mostly in children and young adults. Symptoms may be mild or severe. Sudden fever, joint pain, and inflammation may begin days to weeks after a streptococcal infection, usually of the throat (see pharyngitis ). Other symptoms may include skin nodules and rashes, chorea , abdominal pain, nosebleeds, and weight loss. Penicillin given when the initial infection is diagnosed can prevent it. Otherwise, {{link=salicylic acid">salicylic acid derivatives or corticosteroids help the symptoms.