Rheumatic fever (RF) and Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are a preventable public health problem in low- and middle-income countries and in marginalized communities in middle- and high-income countries. RF is an autoimmune inflammatory reaction to throat infections (pharyngitis) or possibly to superficial skin and skin structure infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, a group A beta‐haemolytic Streptococcus (GAS) bacterium. The first episode of RF is commonly seen in children aged 5 to 14 years. Recurrent episodes are most common within 1 year of the first episode but can occur throughout the life course. RHD is characterized by chronic structural and/or functional changes in the heart, most commonly in the valves, caused by one or more episodes of rheumatic fever (RF). RHD most commonly starts in childhood with a diagnostic peak in young adults aged 20 to 39 years. RHD can lead to death or lifelong disability, however, effective early intervention can prevent premature morbidity and mortality.
