Yes and no at the same time. Rheumatic fever is a disease caused by the antibodies that the patient's own body produces after an infection caused by the bacterium Group A hemolytic streptococcus.
In the initial phase, these antibodies "attack" various parts of the body, causing inflammation in structures such as joints, heart valves, brain and others. Treatment includes rest, symptomatic and anti-inflammatory drugs, and lasts for a few weeks, after which these antibodies lose their effect and the disease stops progressing.
However, the sequels caused by this inflammation can be forever. The most common permanent sequelae are those that are in the heart's valves, and that may impair its functioning.
Therefore, it can be said that the rheumatic fever disease is interrupted with adequate treatment, but it can leave permanent complications. In addition, people who have had rheumatic fever once in a lifetime are more likely to have a second time, and thereafter the sequelae may be even worse.
For this reason, almost all people suffering from rheumatic fever may need to take doses of benzathine penicillin (which is a antibiotic injection) repeatedly for several years.
