Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is a serious illness. It often starts with a sore throat. Without treatment, some sore throats can cause rheumatic fever, which can lead to heart damage. Find out how to prevent rheumatic fever and how important it is to prevent your child from getting it again. 

Child getting a throat swab by the nurse

Video still from a Ministry of Health video.

Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease Journey Booklets

Illustrated booklets about the rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease journey. The booklets are available in English, te reo Māori, Samoan and Tongan.

Two boys outside

Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is a serious illness. It often starts with a sore throat. Without treatment, some sore throats can cause rheumatic fever which can lead to heart damage. 

Illustration of a normal heart

Rheumatic Fever Videos

Watch animated videos to find out about sore throats, rheumatic fever and the importance of keeping a healthy heart.

Boy having sore throat checked by nurse at clinic

Sore Throat & Rheumatic Fever Videos

Watch some videos which include stories of people who have survived rheumatic fever, and information about getting treatment and support.

Rheumatic fever booklet cover and image of people

The Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease Journey

This information is for parents and whānau. It's designed to help you and your whānau navigate the journey ahead after your child has been diagnosed with rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease. You can review this information with the health professionals caring for your child.

Rheumatic fever booklet cover and image of people

My Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease Journey

This information is for rangatahi (young people) with rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease. It's designed to help you and your whānau navigate the journey ahead after your diagnosis. You can review this information with the health professionals caring for you.

A needle and a calendar with the number 28

Penicillin Injections After Rheumatic Fever

The best way to prevent your child from getting rheumatic fever again is for them to have regular penicillin injections.

Warfarin Guide For Rheumatic Heart Disease

This information is for tamariki (children), rangatahi (young people), parents and whānau. It's designed to help you and your whānau navigate the journey ahead after your child has been started on warfarin for rheumatic heart disease. You can review this information with the health professionals caring for your child.

Taking Warfarin For Rheumatic Heart Disease

Find out about taking the steps to taking warfarin if you have rheumatic heart disease.

    An App To Help Get Your Bicillin On Time Every Time

    'Fight the Fever' is a mobile app to help people with rheumatic fever get their bicillin injections on time, every time.