Rotorua locals urged to get sore throats swabbed with two rheumatic fever cases this year

Owhata Medical Centre nurse Eliza Stephens administers a rheumatic fever swab test. Photo/Ben Fraser

There have been two diagnosed cases of rheumatic fever in Rotorua so far this year and those working closest with families affected want to see more people visiting the doctor for throat swabs.

In the past, the Lakes District Health Board has had a high incidence of rheumatic fever and has been delivering a prevention programme since 2012.

Between 2009 and 2012 the health board had 7.8 cases per 100,000 people, in 2017 that rate had dropped to 3.8 cases.

A Lakes District Health Board spokeswoman said the cases in the Lakes DHB area were spread over all seasons, not just in winter.

Māori and Pacific children and young adults (aged 4 to 19) have the highest rates of rheumatic fever and it is unevenly distributed in New Zealand, with most cases recorded in the North Island.

Toi Te Ora Public Health medical officer of health Dr Neil de Wet said rheumatic fever was a serious disease and could cause permanent heart damage.

Strep throat, a throat infection caused by a Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, can lead to rheumatic fever if left untreated.

"If your child has a sore throat it's important that they see a doctor or nurse to get it checked in case they have a strep throat that needs treatment with antibiotics," de Wet said.

Rheumatic fever can cause the heart, joints, brain and skin to become inflamed and swollen.

While the symptoms may disappear on their own, the inflammation can cause rheumatic heart disease, where there is scarring of the heart valves.

Owhata Surgery manager Ata Armstrong said they run free throat swabs for children because "out in the eastern suburbs there is a high rate of strep throat".

"In doing the swabs we try to cut the threat of rheumatic fever.

"Not everyone can afford to pay for throat swabs so we focus on making them free for children."

The Western Heights Health Centre offers a free throat and skin clinic Monday to Thursday from 3.30pm to 6pm and from 3.30pm to 5pm on Fridays.

Centre manager Mary McLean said it was an easy-access approach.

"You just come along, sit in the waiting room and we will see you.

"We take a throat swab if people have a sore throat and then if they meet certain criteria we will treat it before we get the results back."

She said the centre gave out scratchies to help people remember to take their medication.

Rheumatic fever is commonly associated with overcrowded housing and socio-economic deprivation and McLean said the service came without judgement.

"It's very complex and judging people will push them in the opposite direction.

"We really want to make it easy for people to get checked without feeling judged for their situation."