What are common symptoms of scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever is primarily caused by infection with group A Streptococcus, presenting with a distinctive set of symptoms. The hallmark symptoms include a sore throat, which often develops rapidly; a characteristic rash that feels like sandpaper, typically appearing on the chest and spreading to other areas; and a "strawberry tongue," which is marked by a red, swollen appearance with prominent papillae. This combination of symptoms is classic for scarlet fever and helps in its diagnosis.

In contrast, while other choices may describe symptoms associated with different conditions or infections, they do not encapsulate the primary indicators of scarlet fever. For example, a fever and bluish tongue can be indicative of other severe conditions but lack the specific characteristics associated with scarlet fever. Nausea and vomiting, along with fever and abdominal pain, can occur in various illnesses but are not defining symptoms of this particular infection. Hence, the answer that lists sore throat, rash, and strawberry tongue accurately reflects the most common symptoms of scarlet fever.