Rheumatic Fever Control Measures

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
THE concepts upon which an adequate program for prevention of rheumatic fever can be based were discussed in a previous report.1 These concepts have been almost universally accepted by workers in the field of rheumatic fever, yet they have not been widely applied in actual practice. In general, the programs for the prevention of primary rheumatic fever can be categorized into: (1) school-oriented programs as described by Phibbs;2 (2) mass prophylaxis as used by the armed services;3 (3) mass treatment of streptococcal epidemic areas as described by Zimmerman and Sciple;4 and finally, (4) adequate detection and treatment of streptococcal disease in private physicians' offices.1,5-7 For each of these approaches, the indications, practicality, and effectiveness depends on variables such as socioeconomic conditions, availability of medical care, and motivation of the community. In some situations a combination of these approaches may be indicated. However, the scope of