Preventing Rheumatic Fever

If your child is Māori or Pacific, aged between 4 and 19 years and has a sore throat, please get it checked straightaway.

Boy having sore throat checked at a clinic

Video still from a Ministry of Health video.

Meet Tristan and Justin. The 11-year-old twins know first hand that a sore throat left untreated can lead to rheumatic fever.

Watch some videos which include stories of people who have survived rheumatic fever, and information about getting treatment and support.

There are lots of places you can get a sore throat checked.

Sore throats are common in children. Sometimes children can get 'strep throat'. A rare complication of strep throat is rheumatic fever.

Rheumatic fever is a serious illness. It often starts with a sore throat. Without treatment, some sore throats can cause rheumatic fever which can lead to heart damage. 

Watch animated videos to find out about sore throats, rheumatic fever and the importance of keeping a healthy heart.

Keeping your whānau (family) healthy over winter means keeping your home warm and dry. Check out all the tips in the videos about how to keep your home warm and dry. Find out what support is available.