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“We have already had our first case of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and our first case of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) so far this year within our health service region,” she said.

“Last year, we had 26 cases of ARF and 62 cases of RHD.

“While last year’s totals were fewer than the 36 cases of ARF and 77 cases of RHD we recorded in 2021, any cases of ARF and RHD in our region are always a matter of concern.”

Dr Hempenstall said rheumatic heart disease was caused by the Streptococcus A bacteria group (strep).

“The infection can be spread from person to person by large respiratory droplets, for example via sneezing, or direct contact with people infected by the bacteria, and can progress into rheumatic heart disease,” she said.

“If untreated, rheumatic heart disease can lead to heart failure and complications like stroke and can greatly reduce the ability to lead a normal life.

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“Parents need to look out for common infections that might otherwise be overlooked, such as a sore throat, sore joints, fever or skin sores because these can result in longterm heart damage.

“Once we find someone with acute rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease, we have very effective treatments that stop it going on to cause long-term cardiac damage such as heart failure and strokes.

“That’s why it is important to identify people with ARF so they can be treated and managed before the disease progresses into more severe stages or evolves into rheumatic heart disease.

“Once diagnosed with ARF or RHD, patients require regular scans to ensure appropriate ongoing management and it’s important that they turn up to their scheduled appointments for these scans.

“The scanning service is generally delivered via outreach from Cairns and checks may be every six months to threeyearly, depending on the stage and severity of their condition.’’ For more information about RHD, visit: https://www. health.qld.gov. au/public-health/ groups/atsihealth/ health-priorities/ rheumatic-heartdisease

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Jenni Enosa,” Talei said.