Still around today, this strep infection that cruses a rash has terrible effects in “Little Women’ & “Little Town on the Prairie”

The Final Jeopardy clue for February 17, 2025, fell under the category “Literature & Sickness” and read:

“Still around today, this strep infection that causes a rash has terrible effects in ‘Little Women’ & ‘Little Town on the Prairie.’”

What is Scarlet Fever?

Scarlet fever, a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus, is characterized by a distinctive red rash, high fever, and a sore throat. The disease was particularly dangerous in the 19th century when antibiotics were not yet available, and severe complications such as rheumatic fever could develop. Though far less deadly today due to medical advancements, it remains a concern, especially among children.

In literature, scarlet fever has often been used to highlight the fragility of life in earlier times. It appears in several well-known novels, particularly those depicting 19th-century family life and hardships. The disease’s presence in both Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and Little Town on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder reflects its historical impact on families and communities.

Scarlet Fever’s Role in Little Women

In Little Women, Beth March, the quiet and kindhearted sister, contracts scarlet fever after caring for the Hummel children, a poor family living nearby. While her siblings recover from their own mild illnesses, Beth’s condition worsens significantly. Although she initially survives the infection, her health is permanently weakened, leading to a slow decline that ultimately results in her death.

Beth’s battle with scarlet fever serves as a pivotal emotional moment in the novel. It underscores the themes of selflessness, mortality, and family bonds. Her illness also highlights the limitations of 19th-century medicine, where even a common bacterial infection could lead to fatal complications without proper treatment.

Scarlet Fever in Little Town on the Prairie

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little Town on the Prairie, part of the Little House series, also features scarlet fever as a serious health threat. In the book, the disease affects Mary Ingalls, Laura’s older sister, with devastating consequences. Unlike Beth March, Mary survives, but the illness leaves her blind. This event profoundly impacts the Ingalls family, shaping Mary’s future and requiring significant adjustments in their lives.

The real-life Mary Ingalls did indeed suffer from an illness that led to blindness, though modern medical analysis suggests it may not have been scarlet fever but rather viral meningoencephalitis. However, Wilder’s choice to identify the illness as scarlet fever in her book aligns with the common understanding of the disease’s effects at the time. The story reflects the fear and uncertainty families faced when dealing with infectious diseases before modern medicine.

Scarlet Fever in Modern Times

Although scarlet fever is no longer as deadly as it was in the 19th century, it has not disappeared entirely. Outbreaks still occur, particularly among children, though they are now easily treated with antibiotics like penicillin. Early diagnosis and medical intervention prevent the severe complications that once made the disease so feared.

The presence of scarlet fever in classic literature serves as a reminder of the medical challenges faced by previous generations. While readers today might view these portrayals as historical tragedies, they also highlight the resilience of families dealing with illness and loss. The experiences of Beth March and Mary Ingalls remain poignant examples of how disease shaped lives and literature alike.