Rheumatic Fever in the West Kimberley

A retrospective study was performed to document the high incidence of rheumatic fever in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia. Derby Regional Hospital case records from 1970 to 1979 were examined. Population estimates were calculated using data of the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Community Health Department, Perth. Rheumatic fever was shown to be a relatively common condition with significant morbidity in certain population groups. The disease has a high mean age of onset (14.5 years), and is significantly more common in females than males, and in Aborigines than in non-Aborigines. Case numbers show no downward trend. The incidence of hospitalized cases of rheumatic fever in Aboriginal schoolchildren for 1975 to 1979 is between 2.3 and 3.5 per 1000. The limitations of the study are discussed. The importance of accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive system for future prevention of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease at a community level is stressed.