Acute Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease

Residents of the Torres Strait, Cape York and Northern Peninsula Areas are being reminded of the need to be aware of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said. “We have already had our first case of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and our first case of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) so far this year within our health service region.

Acute rheumatic fever is a disease caused by the Streptococcus A bacteria group (strep) and causes throat and skin infections which lead to inflammation in the joints, brain, and heart. If left untreated, it can progress into rheumatic heart disease.

Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan talks to Dr. Alison Hempenstall and Indigenous Health Worker Alicia Hansen about the seriousness of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease within the Cape Communities and the steps parents of young children can do to protect them.