Scarlet fever - incubation period

Scarlet fever is an infectious disease caused by the activity of Group A streptococci . Most often the disease is diagnosed among children, but an adult with weakened immunity can also become a victim of a bacterial attack. Therefore it is interesting to know what incubation period for scarlet fever.

How does the infection occur?

The incubation period of scarlet fever begins counting from the moment of penetration of streptococci. In this case, infection can occur by airborne or by contact from an already sick person. However, the carrier of bacteria can be and quite healthy person, simply its immune system is strong enough to resist to microorganisms. And a person with a weakened defense is easily susceptible to infection:

  1. Infection affects the mucous membranes of the larynx. As a result of the vigorous activity of streptococci, tissues receive a fair amount of toxins that are carried by the bloodstream throughout the body.
  2. Simultaneously, destruction of erythrocytes takes place, which leads to an expansion of the vasculature and the destruction of the areas of the skin. Outwardly, it manifests itself in the form of a characteristic rash.
  3. If an adult has already had scarlet fever, the incubation period will continue as much as during the primary infection, but the disease will proceed without rashes, which are an allergic reaction of the body to the toxin. This is due to the presence of specific antibodies.
  4. A week after infection, the body adapts to new conditions and begins to produce antibodies that can withstand toxins.
  5. The time that passes from the introduction of bacteria into the mucous membranes until the appearance of the first symptoms is called the incubation or latent period of the disease. Therefore, the incubation period in the case of scarlet fever is from 1 day to 10 days.

Is it possible to infect scarlet fever during the incubation period?

The disease is characterized by a high degree of infectiousness. It is believed that contagious scarlet fever is not only with the appearance of symptoms, but also throughout the incubation period. This is not so, the disease becomes contagious only with the appearance of the first signs, when the incubation period is already over.

Scarlet fever is quite difficult in childhood. An adult who has good immunity, carries the infection much easier. In addition, the disease is extremely rare in people older than 30 years.