Dear Parent/Guardian:
Please be advised that there are some reported cases of Strep Throat in the elementary and high school classes at Miami R-I.
Symptoms of strep throat include:
• Throat pain: A sore throat that develops quickly and is often painful when swallowing
• Swollen glands: Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
• Fever: A fever that often starts suddenly and is usually highest on the second day
• Red spots: Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae
• White patches: White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils
• Rash: A red rash that starts on the neck and chest and can spread across the body
• Other symptoms: Headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, or bad breath
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus (group A strep). It's more common in children than adults. A medical professional can diagnose strep throat with a throat swab test or rapid strep test. Antibiotics are the standard treatment, and most cases last three to five days.
If left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications like kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever.
If your child has a diagnosis of Strep Throat, please remember that he/she should not return to school for at least 24 hr. after beginning antibiotic treatment, and until they are without fever. All confirmed cases of Strep should be reported to the office or school nurse so that the school can take additional measures to safeguard against the spread of disease and track illness in the building.
Thanks!
Donna Dodds, LPN
Donna Dodds, LPN
