What is the Epidemiology of Acute Rheumatic Fever?
The incidence of ARF has significantly declined in high-income countries due to improved living conditions, widespread use of antibiotics, and better access to healthcare. However, it remains a major public health issue in low- and middle-income countries, where overcrowding, limited access to medical care, and lack of antibiotic use contribute to higher rates of infection. The global incidence of ARF is estimated to be around 275,000 cases per year, with the highest burden seen in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and some parts of the Pacific.
