Here you’ll find the Final Jeopardy clue for Monday, February 17, 2025. Today starts the second Jeopardy Invitational Tournament (JIT) that will feature 27 of the most famous and strongest players of the game over the last five decades. Competing for a semifinals spot in tonight’s match will be yarn store owner Hannah Wilson from Illinois, novelist Doug Molitor from California, and quantitative researcher Matt Amodio from New York. The favorite here is Matt, who sits in third for all-time Jeopardy winnings in regular play. Here is the question and answer for Final Jeopardy on 2/17/2025, as well as the wagers and the winner of the episode.
Final Jeopardy Question for February 17
The Final Jeopardy question for February 17, 2025 is in the category of “Literature & Sickness” and has the following clue:
Still around today, this strep infection that causes a rash has terrible effects in “Little Women” & the “Little House of the Prairie” books
To prevent any spoilers, the right answer for this clue has been put at the bottom of this guide.
Final Jeopardy Wagers and Winner for February 17
Matt came through in the February 17 match as the winner of the first quarterfinals in this tournament. He and Hannah had a tight game, and his lead going into Final Jeopardy effectively earned him the win.
Through an aggressive Daily Double in the second round, Matt had $30,400 heading into the final clue. His correct answer netted him an additional $15,000 for first place with $45,400.
Hannah was not too far behind with $22,400. Her correct response got her an additional $8,001, enough for second with $30,401.
Unfortunately for Doug, he was in the hole with -$3,200 and thus was not able to compete in Final Jeopardy.
Final Jeopardy Answer for February 17
The correct answer for Final Jeopardy on February 17, 2025 is “What is scarlet fever?”
Otherwise known as scarlatina, scarlet fever most commonly effects children between 5 and 15 years old and causes many symptoms, including a red rash along the face. This illness remained very prevalent throughout the 1800s and early 1900s before antibiotics and serums were introduced and effectively reduced its spread and death rate.
In Little Women, the character Beth is stricken with scarlet fever and is based on Alcott’s youngest sister, Lizzie, who also had the disease. The illness weakened Beth’s heart and ultimately led to her death when she was young. Mary Ingalls in Little House of the Prairie also lost her eyesight due to scarlet fever, though doctors today say that her blindness was actually caused by viral meningoencephalitis instead.
