We are currently only able to swab people who are at high risk of developing rheumatic fever: Personal or family history of rheumatic fever; maori or pacific; overcrowded living conditions; living in lower socioeconomic area.

Eligibility and cost

Eligible patients are those at high risk of developing rheumatic fever and aged
3-19 years with a sore throat or a household contact of a positive case aged 3 years or over. There is no cost for the throat swab. We can provide antibiotics after the swab for high risk patients.

Why should you get a throat swab if you have a sore throat:

• A common cause of sore throat's is a Group A streptococcal infection which is easily treated with a short course of antibiotics

• If left untreated a Group A streptococcal infection can develop into Rheumatic Fever in some patients

• Rheumatic Fever can lead to permanent damage to the heart