Definition: Scarlet fever is an acute, specific, infectious disease, highly contagious and characterized by high fever, sore throat, a diffuse, punctate erythematous rash, with a marked tendency to enlarged cervical glands, acute suppurative otitis media, and occasionally nephritis. History: Sydenham, in 1675, was the first to describe scarlet fever as a distinct disease. At that time scarlet fever and diphtheria were very often confused. Occurrence: The disease is more prevalent in autumn and spring months, usually endemic, but occurring occasionally in epidemics. Etiology: The specific cause of the disease is a hemolytic streptococcus. The two Doctors Dick of Chicago, in 1923-24, were the first to satisfy Koch's postulates, apparently proving that a specific streptococcus hemolyticus was the cause of scarlet fever. The disease may occur at any age but it is most common in children, young adults and in individuals subject to throat infections. Source: Man-through the nasopharyngeal discharges from active cases, mild and missed cases and carriers, milk and other foods. Mode of Transmission: The disease