Dear Parents or Guardians:                                                                                                                                   March 4,  2010

Several confirmed cases of Strep throat have been reported to the health room in the past week or so.  The cases are not grade specific.

IN LIGHT OF THESE REPORTED STREP INFECTIONS, PLEASE TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:

1. Watch your child for signs of a sore throat and other signs of strep (headache, fever, stomachache, swollen and tender neck glands).

2. If your child develops a sore throat and any of these other signs, please see your health care provider, tell him/her that other children in the school have strep and ask to have your child tested for strep throat. A rapid strep test via a throat swab could give an immediate answer if your child has strep; however, if it is negative, the doctor may take a throat culture and in 1 to 2 days, you will have the results of the culture. If strep is found, your child will receive treatment.

INFORMATION ABOUT STREP THROAT

What is strep throat?

Strep Throat is a sore throat caused by streptococcus bacteria that passed around through nose and mouth secretions. It is very common in children. Most sore throats, however, are caused by viruses and are not treated with antibiotics.

Why is it important that your child receive treatment?

There are three main reasons.

1. Treatment reduces spread. If not treated or not treated long enough, your child may continue to spread the infection to other members of your family or to other children.

2. Treatment with antibiotics can usually prevent rheumatic fever. Rarely, some children with strep throat later develop rheumatic fever - abnormalities of the heart valves and inflammation of the joints.

3. Treatment will also prevent other rare, but possible dangerous, complications.

When can your child come back to school?

Your child can return after taking medicine for at least 24 hours.

What should you do to prevent the spread of strep throat?

1. Thoroughly wash your hands and your child's hands after wiping noses and before eating or preparing food.

2. Wash dishes carefully in hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

3. Do not allow children to share cups, spoons or toys that are put into the mouth.

4. Do not allow sharing of food.

5. Do not allow sharing of toothbrushes and discard or sterilize toothbrushes after antibiotics have been started.

Please contact us should you have any questions                                                           

Lisa Moholt, R.N. or  Bernadette Childs, R.N.