Download MEMO Strep Throat:

MARK S. TALBOT
PRINCIPAL
JENA L. LENZ
VICE PRINCIPAL
PAULA B REMERKAMP
VICE PRINCIPAL
March 13th, 2017
MEMO
Dear Sir or Madame,
We have recently been informed that a student has a confirmed case of strep throat in the
middle school. According to the Macomb County Health Department reference chart the
following is a list of symptoms:
Strep Throat:
Symptoms: Sore throat that starts suddenly, without runny nose or congestion · "Fiery" red throat ·
Painful swallowing · White patches on the tonsils · Swollen lymph nodes in the neck · Fever with a
temperature of 101 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38.3 to 40 degrees Celsius · Headache · Loss of appetite
· Fatigue
Mode of transmission: Strep throat is a bacterial infection that is usually spread by person-to-person
contact through coughing or sneezing. Exposure to a person who has untreated strep throat may pose a
risk for acquiring this infection. A person may be a carrier of the strep bacteria without having symptoms.
Period of communicability: A person can develop symptoms of strep throat from 1 to 6 days after being
exposed to the bacteria. Symptoms in up to 40% of children may be too mild to diagnosis.
Treatment: Penicillin is the usual treatment for strep throat. If a person is allergic to penicillin, another
antibiotic may be used. To prevent the complications of strep infections, it is important to take the entire
course of antibiotics prescribed, even if the symptoms subside. The following are ways to reduce
symptoms: rest, especially when fever is present; warm salt-water gargles and throat lozenges to reduce
pain and inflammation; over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen, for pain and fever;
and plenty of liquids. Iced drinks or milk shakes, as well as a soft-foods diet, may help to relieve
discomfort.
Anyone with a doctor-diagnosed case of strep throat must take antibiotics for at least 24 hours before
returning to school. Finally, children with confirmed cases must be excluded from school until symptoms
subside.
If you suspect your child of having any of these problems please see a doctor and contact the school as
soon as possible.
Respectfully yours,
The administration