(KLZA)-- There have been cases reported of Scarlet fever in eastern Nebraska. Dr. Kari Simonsen is the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Disease and says Scarlet fever used to be a common and serious childhood illness but isn't seen often today. 

Dr. Simonsen says fortunately today children are usually treated with antibiotics at the onset of strep throat and Scarlet fever never develops. She says if left untreated scarlet fever can cause serious health complications that included rheumatic fever that can be associated with long term heart problems. Other complications include, ear infections, throat abscess, kidney disease and arthritis.