A timely reminder--rheumatic fever
Lilic, N.; Kumar, P.
New Zealand Medical Journal 126(1373): 88-90
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 23797082 Document Number: 667102
Rheumatic fever is a disease diagnosed using the Jones criteria. The Jones criteria were designed using data from areas with a low prevalence of rheumatic fever. In New Zealand there is a high prevalence of rheumatic fever amongst Maori and Pacific peoples. A case is presented where a child of Samoan ethnicity is diagnosed and treated for rheumatic fever without fulfilling the Jones criteria. Evidence supporting the broadening of the diagnostic criteria in high prevalence areas is highlighted.