What condition is characterized by the rapid onset of high fever and a distinctive rash?

Scarlet fever is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever and a distinctive rash, making it the correct answer to the question. The rash associated with scarlet fever appears as small red bumps that may resemble sunburn and typically starts on the neck and face before spreading to the rest of the body. This condition is caused by a bacterial infection, specifically by group A Streptococcus, which also results in a sore throat and a characteristic 'strawberry tongue.'

In contrast, chickenpox usually starts with a fever but is accompanied by an itchy, blister-like rash that progresses over a few days, rather than a rapid onset of high fever. Shingles, while it may involve fever, presents primarily as painful blisters in a specific dermatome rather than a widespread rash with high fever. Measles does entail a high fever and a rash, but the rash typically appears several days after the fever starts, with a specific pattern that differs from that of scarlet fever.