(Available online only)
Summary of 2026 update:
- Definitions added for acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, and secondary prophylaxis (page 5)
- Footnote added to Table 5.4 Recommended antibiotic treatment for Strep A skin sores to caution against use of cotrimoxazole in pregnancy (page 55)
- Clarity provided on secondary prophylaxis use for post streptococcal reactive arthritis in high and low risk groups (page 85)
- Footnote edited in Table 10.3 Recommended duration of secondary prophylaxis to clarify need for specialist review prior to ceasing secondary prophylaxis (page 157)
- Checklist added to highlight steps required prior to ceasing secondary prophylaxis (page 160)
The Australian guideline for the prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (3rd edition) includes standards, recommendations, and guidance to support care for people with acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Australia. Clinical information is supported with a cultural safety framework which places people with disease and their families and communities at the centre of care. Information focuses on:
- Introduction (including a summary of changes in this edition)
- Culture and workforce
- Burden of disease
- Primordial prevention and social determinants of acute rheumatic fever
- Primary prevention
- Diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever
- Management of acute rheumatic fever
- Diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease
- Screening for rheumatic heart disease
- Secondary prophylaxis
- Management of rheumatic heart disease
- Women and girls with rheumatic heart disease
- Rheumatic heart disease control programs
- New Technologies