Austin Man Says He Has The ‘Scarlet Fever’ And It’s Going Around. Uh, Is That Seriously Still A Thing?

An Austin-area man sounded miserable in his recent viral video discussing an illness he’s battling, calling it the “scarlet fever.” His video begs two questions: Is scarlet fever still around? And what's really going around Austin?

“If you live in Austin, Texas, and you don't have scarlet fever right now, good for you. Can't relate,” a TikToker named Cole Marini (@cole_marini) says. “I was hallucinating last night. Hallucinating. I was 125 degrees. I was incinerating. And I was freezing cold. Are any of you not sick? I have the bubonic plague.”

The high fever claims of "125 degrees,” are hyperbolic, as a fever of 107 degrees Fahrenheit is typically fatal. And even though scarlet fever is still very much a thing, that’s likely not what Marini has.

What's Going Around Austin?

Austin is currently seeing a sharp increase in influenza (or flu) and RSV cases, along with an expected uptick in COVID-19 activity. (COVID is here to stay forever, people.)

Interestingly, there have been upticks in invasive Strep A cases in Texas over the last couple of years post-pandemic. It is currently active in the community—but not to the extent of what occurred in 2023 in Austin. Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) is what causes strep throat.

What's The Scarlet Fever?

However, Mayo Clinic explains that “scarlet fever is caused by the same type of bacteria that causes strep throat.” The medical outlet also explains that “scarlet fever most often occurs after a strep throat infection” and that children are more likely to contract it than adults.

The tell-tale signs of scarlet fever include a characteristic red, sandpaper-like rash (on the neck and upper body), a red “strawberry” tongue that sometimes swells, and a sore throat and fever.

What's The Treatment?

The treatment for scarlet fever is typically 10 days of penicillin, along with medicines for other symptoms during the course. If it is not well-treated or the full course of antibiotics isn’t taken, it can lead to other kidney and heart issues.

Viewers shared their own experiences with the rare illness and tried to diagnose Marini.

One comment read, “From an ER doctor in Austin - It’s *influenza* … welcome to flu season!”

“It was the escalation for me,” said another commenter, clearly finding humor in the video. “Scarlet Fever to bubonic plague is wild. Both aka the man flu. Drink your fluids. Stay away for others until your fever breaks for 24 hours. May the odds be ever in your favor.”

“Scarlet fever is from untreated strep and comes with a rash all over you. You got the flu. Stay hydrated buddy,” a third recommended.

“Omg I got scarlet two years ago and my doctor laughed at me bc he’s like ‘you’re the first grown adult I’ve seen in a long time with scarlet fever, what is this the late 1800s?’ while they shot a steroid in my hip. I hope you feel better!!” a fourth shared.

@cole_marini

Patch reached out to Marini via TikTok direct message for more information.