Faget sign

System: General & Eye–Ear Signs · All general & eye–ear signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

The pulse is unexpectedly slow relative to the height of the fever (relative bradycardia) — the temperature is high but the heart rate has not risen as much as expected.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with certain infections, classically yellow fever, and also typhoid fever, legionnaires' disease and some other intracellular infections.

◈ Behind the name

Jean Charles Faget (1818–1884), French-born physician in New Orleans, who described it in yellow fever.

Browse the F section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.

Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.