Journal Entry 10

HEALTH ALERT

It has been reported that your child has recently been exposed to Strep Throat.

WHAT IS IT?

 Strep throat is a bacterial infection. Not every sore throat is Strep.

How it is spread:

Inhaling respiratory droplets from an ill person spreads strep throat.  It is usually spread by sneezing or coughing, or indirectly by contact with hands or objects (such as drinking cups or eating utensils) contaminated with nose or mouth discharges of an infected person (respiratory spread). 

What to look for:

Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and oozing and redness of tonsils and throat.  It can only be diagnosed with a laboratory throat culture. 

What you can do:

 Frequent hand washing.
 Good personal hygiene practices should be followed.  Cover the nose and mouth when        coughing or sneezing.
 Dispose of soiled tissues after wiping a runny nose.  Always follow with proper hand           washing.
 Do not share eating utensils, food, or drinking cups.
 Wash and sanitize toys mouthed by infants and toddlers. 

How is it treated? 

 Penicillin or other effective antibiotics, as prescribed by a doctor.
 To prevent potential complications, such as rheumatic fever, antibiotics should be                continued for ten days. 

 When is it contagious?
 The infection can be passed for about 24 hours after adequate treatment begins.  Untreated persons remain infectious as long as they are sick, usually three to seven days, or longer, two to three weeks. 

How long does it take after exposure before symptoms appear (incubation)? 
Usually one to three days. 

If you suspect your child has been infected:

Call your child's pediatrician for test and treatment

Call the center to report the infection

Your child can return to the center after 24 hours of antibiotics

What we are doing to prevent the spread:

We are washing all the bedding,pillows,stuffed animals anything cloth

We are disinfecting all toys and washable surfaces with a bleach water solution

Washing hands frequently