A 7-year-old child has been admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever. When taking a health history from the child’s mother, which recent illness is of most significance?

Choice A rationale Chickenpox is a viral infection that can cause a fever and rash. However, it is not typically associated with the development of acute rheumatic fever. Acute rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop when strep throat or scarlet fever isn’t properly treated. Choice B rationale Mumps is a viral infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands. Like chickenpox, it is not typically associated with the development of acute rheumatic fever. Choice C rationale A recent history of sore throat is significant because acute rheumatic fever can develop as a complication of an untreated strep throat infection. Strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, which can trigger an immune response leading to rheumatic fever if not treated properly. Choice D rationale Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection that can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, and body aches. However, it is not typically associated with the development of acute rheumatic fever.