Septic Scarlet Fever due to Streptococcus pyogenes Cellulitis

We report three cases of septic scarlet fever due to Streptococcus pyogenes Group A (serotype M1/T1/OF—) cellulitis in healthy young adults. Despite prompt treatment two of the patients died. Such cases of cellulitis associated with scarlet fever, severe toxaemia and septicaemia have not been reported in the post-antibiotic era.