rheumatic fever:

A Streptococcal (Group A beta haemolytic streptococci) infection occasionally causes a more generalized disease or inflammation in the joints and heart valves. In the heart valves this may progress with time to ultimately damage the valves sufficiently that they must be replaced. This is called rheumatic heart disease. 


A disease, usually occurring in childhood, that may follow a streptococcal infection. Usually after a sore throat. Its features include an arthritis, skin rash among other things. It is now uncommon in the developed world but still occurs commonly elsewhere. If the infection involves the heart, scars may form on heart valves, and the heart's outer lining may be damaged. Symptoms may include fever, sore or swollen joints, skin rash, involuntary muscle twitching, and development of nodules under the skin.