Pasifika and Māori youth at higher risk for rheumatic fever

Our Māori and Pacific children have high rates of rheumatic fever in New Zealand; a life threatening auto immune disease which can cause severe heart damage.
Rheumatic fever starts with a sore throat known as ‘strep throat’, which can be caught through air born droplets or by sharing food or drinks. If your child or family member has a sore throat or is showing any of the early symptoms of strep throat or rheumatic fever, take them to the doctor immediately and insist for a throat swab.