Strep Throat & Scarlet Fever

Fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes on neck, red/swollen/white patches on throat or tonsils, headache, and/or stomachache. Another sign of strep throat is a fine sandpaper rash. Symptoms will begin to start 2-5 days after exposure.
Strep throat is spread through contact with infected saliva or droplets from a cough or sneeze.
When untreated, strep throat can develop into scarlet fever.
Exclusion from school is required until the fever is gone and if prescribed, 24 hours after the antibiotics have been started.

Communication Notice (recommended to be distributed if two or more cases are present)

We have been advised of a suspected case(s) of strep throat in our classroom/school. This is a common childhood condition, but when untreated, strep throat can develop into scarlet fever. Exclusion from school is required until the fever is gone and if prescribed, 24 hours after antibiotics have been started.

Parent/guardians are encouraged to watch their child for signs of strep throat or scarlet fever, which includes fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes on the neck, red and swollen throat or tonsils with white patches, headache, stomachache and a fine sandpaper rash.

If you suspect your child may have strep throat or scarlet fever, please contact a health care provider for treatment or 811 for advice. To find out more, check out this fact sheet on strep throat at: https://811.novascotia.ca/health_topics/strep-throat-2/   and scarlet fever at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/infectious-diseases/scarlet-fever-fact-sheet.htm