Acute Rheumatic Fever in Children

Abstract

A total of 347 school children in Manhattan had verified attacks of rheumatic fever in 1963, 1964, and 1965. The average annual incidence in children aged five through 14 years was 61/100,000(49/100,000 first attacks and 12/100,000 recurrences). Incidence in the lowest income area was more than three times that in a high and middle income area. Although initial attacks of rheumatic fever continue to occur in appreciable numbers, the prescription of prophylactic medication has reduced the incidence of recurrences. However, almost half of those who had recurrences developed heart disease. Primary and secondary prevention programs must be intensified, especially in low-income urban areas, if rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are to become diseases of the past.