Strep Throat & Scarlet Fever

Strep Throat/Scarlet Fever

Signs & Symptoms:  

Strep Throat typically begins with the suden onset of a red, very sore throat, fever, listlessness, swollen glands, nausea, and headache.

Tongue may be coated white and then become bright red.

Scarlett Fever presents as above, with a fine sandpaper-like rash, usually beginning on the chest and back and spreading to all parts of the body including the hands and feet. The rash clears in about one week and peeling of the skin is common. 

Immediate Intervention:  Isolate, exclude from school classroom and refer to healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. 

Incubation Period:  From 1-3 days. 

Contagious Period: Untreated, 10-21 days. When treated with antibiotics, up to 48 hours after first dose. 

School/Childcare Attendance: Exclude for at least 24 hours after the first dose of antibiotics and the child is fever-free, without the use of medicaitons, for 24 hours.