[Epidemiology of rheumatic fever].

Rheumatic fever is a systemic inflammatory sequel of the upper respiratory tract infection with beta-hemolytic group A streptococci. The disease is characterized by joint, heart and subcutaneous tissue inflammation and the nervous system involvement. The incidence of rheumatic fever decreased in the 20th century but periodical resurgences and local epidemics were reported. The disease is still a significant health problem in developing countries.