Strep has been identified in our room. Please follow these guidelines:
PARENT/GUARDIAN
Your child may have been exposed to:
Strep Throat
Strep throat and a strep throat with a rash (scarlet fever) are common bacterial infections in children.
If you think your child has Strep Throat:
• Tell your childcare provider or call the school.
• Need to stay home?
Childcare and School:
Yes, until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins and the fever is gone.
Children who test positive for strep but do not show symptoms do not need to be excluded. They are unlikely to spread the infection to other people.
Prevention
Symptoms
Strep throat - Your child may have a fever that starts suddenly, red sore throat, and swollen glands. Headache may occur. Children may have stomach pain and vomiting.
Scarlet fever - Rarely, a very fine raised rash appears at the same time as the throat soreness. The rash feels like sandpaper. The rash is most often on the neck, chest, elbow, and groin and in the inner thigh and folds of the armpit. Later on, the skin on the fingertips and toes may peel.
If your child is infected, it may take 2 to 5 days for symptoms to start.
Spread
- By coughing or sneezing.
Contagious Period
Until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins.
Call your Healthcare Provider:
If anyone in your home has symptoms. A doctor may
do a lab test and give antibiotics.
• Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue or your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues.
• Wash hands after touching anything that could be contaminated with secretions from the nose or mouth. Your child may need help with handwashing.
• Never share drink containers and cups or silverware. Wash all dishes with hot soapy water between uses.
• Clean and disinfect any objects that come in contact with the nose or mouth (especially mouthed toys). Use a product that kills germs.
For more information, call Hennepin County HSPHD-Epidemiology at 612-543-5230 or call your local health department.
