A major scientific advance into rheumatic fever has found it can be caused by strep infections of both the throat and skin.
Doctors already knew strep throat caused by group A streptococcus bacteria could lead to rheumatic fever, an auto-immune disease which disproportionately affects Maori and Pasifika children and teens and can lead to heart disease.
But now, Otago University research has found a strep skin infection can also lead to rheumatic fever, Their research also found oral antibiotics have little effect on rheumatic fever rates.
Dr Rawiri McKree Jansen runs the National Hauora Coalition's Mana Kidz school health programme in South Auckland, which has helped catch strep throats before they progress.
He spoke to Morning Report.
