Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs Rheumatic feverUpdated: 2017-06-13OverviewRheumatic fever is a disease that can develop as a complication of inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever. It causes inflammation, especially of the heart, blood vessels, and joints.SymptomsSymptoms include fever and painful, tender joints.TreatmentsTreatment involves medication, sometimes for life © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use