Rheumatic fever is a serious disease that can cause permanent damage to the heart.

Anyone can get rheumatic fever but those most at risk are:
Children between the ages of 5 and 15 years old. Maoir and Pacific Island children.

A "Strep A" bug throat infection can cause a reaction that leads to rheumatic fever.  Heart damage can develop immediately or within a few months.

Early treatment of a "Strep A" throat infection with antibiotic tablets stops rheumatic fever from developing.


Dr Jonathan Jarman
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH

Many people will have heard about what has happened with rheumatic fever in Whangaroa.  Whangaroa used to have the highest levels of rheumatic fever in New Zealand.  The Runanga in partnership with the local medical centre, the Northland Public Health Unit and the local schools joined forces to get rid of the disease.  It's now been over 5 years since the last case!


Sadly there are several other hot spots of rheumatic fever in Northland.  One of these is Kaikohe.  Each year an average of two children in the Kaikohe area develop rheumatic fever.  If they are lucky then they will only spend several weeks in hospital and have penicillin injections each month for 5 to 10 years.  If they are unlucky they will also suffer permanent heart damage.



The purpose of this letter is to let you know that a rheumatic prevention project is also being planned for Kaikohe. 

Mereana Witehira - I come from a family of twelve children and I ama the third youngest daughter.  I was born in Rawene hospital but my main upbringing was in Otaua.  I have one son who is 21 years old and he is married and has a beautiful boy 17 months old.  My passion is knowing my community and helping in any way I can.  I am a sporty person, main sports being softball, tennis and netball.  I believe in keeping my body reasonably healthy and fit.