A QUICK TEST.
SIMPLE TREATMENT.
LIFELONG IMPACT.
WHY EARLY TREATMENT MATTERS
Strep throat is common and treatable. But when an infection goes untreated, it can lead to serious complications. Knowing the signs, getting tested, and starting treatment early can help protect your health—and your heart.
WHEN STREP GOES UNTREATED
A SORE THROAT SHOULDN’T LEAD TO HEART DISEASE.
For most people, strep throat is a simple bacterial infection that can be diagnosed quickly and treated effectively with antibiotics. But when Group A Strep goes unrecognized or untreated, it can trigger Rheumatic Fever (RF)—an inflammatory disease that may permanently damage the heart valves. This condition is known as Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).
RHD consequences are life-threatening, especially for children and underserved communities around the world.
THE GLOBAL IMPACT
BY THE NUMBERS.
Rheumatic Heart Disease affects millions of people around the world.
5-15
Most cases begin in early childhood
50M+
Living with Rheumatic Heart Disease worldwide
1M+
Heart failure cases each year linked to Rheumatic Heart Disease
300K+
Deaths each year
Millions of lives are affected by a disease that is preventable. Early recognition and treatment of strep throat is the first step.
THE GOOD NEWS
THIS IS A PREVENTION PROBLEM.
Rheumatic Heart Disease doesn't have to happen.
Recognizing the symptoms of strep throat, getting tested promptly, starting treatment when appropriate, and completing the full course of antibiotics can help prevent Rheumatic Fever and dramatically reduce the risk of Rheumatic Heart Disease.
At Stop The Strep, we believe awareness is the first step toward prevention. By helping people recognize strep early and take action, we can protect hearts, save lives, and reduce the global burden of this preventable disease.
THE COST OF UNTREATED STREP
FOUR MINUTES THAT SHOW WHY EARLY TREATMENT MATTERS.
In many parts of the world, Rheumatic Heart Disease places an enormous burden on families and health systems. Yet much of that suffering begins with something remarkably simple: untreated strep throat.
This short video shows the devastating impact of RHD — and why preventing heart damage before it starts can change lives.
SUPPORT THE MISSION
RECOGNIZE STREP. TREAT STREP. COMPLETE TREATMENT.
Together, we can help end RF & RHD caused by untreated strep through education, awareness, and early action.