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Strep throat (streptococcal sore throat) and scarlet fever (a strep throat with a rash) are common infections in young children.
Symptoms
Strep throat: Fever, sore throat, swollen glands, pain when swallowing, and white patches on the tonsils.
Symptoms
Strep throat: Fever, sore throat, swollen glands, pain when swallowing, and white patches on the tonsils.
Scarlet fever: Usually begins with a fever and sore throat. A very fine raised rash (feels like sandpaper and blanches with pressure) is present. A fuzzy white tongue usually occurs. The rash appears most often on the neck, chest, in folds of the armpit, elbow, groin and in the inner thigh and will fade in about 7 days. Later on, there may be peeling of the skin on the fingertips and toes which can last several weeks. The rash usually appears one to two days after the illness begins but could appear up to 7 days before symptom onset to 7 days after.
Scarlet fever: Usually begins with a fever and sore throat. A very fine raised rash (feels like sandpaper and blanches with pressure) is present. A fuzzy white tongue usually occurs. The rash appears most often on the neck, chest, in folds of the armpit, elbow, groin and in the inner thigh and will fade in about 7 days. Later on, there may be peeling of the skin on the fingertips and toes which can last several weeks. The rash usually appears one to two days after the illness begins but could appear up to 7 days before symptom onset to 7 days after.
Spread
By contact with respiratory droplets formed when a child talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can land on or be rubbed into the eyes, nose, or mouth. It can also be spread by respiratory secretions from or objects contaminated by children who are infectious.
Spread
By contact with respiratory droplets formed when a child talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can land on or be rubbed into the eyes, nose, or mouth. It can also be spread by respiratory secretions from or objects contaminated by children who are infectious.
Contagious Period
Until 12 hours after antibiotic treatment begins.
Contagious Period
Until 12 hours after antibiotic treatment begins.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: Until 12 hours after antibiotic treatment begins and the child is without fever.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: Until 12 hours after antibiotic treatment begins and the child is without fever.
Children without symptoms, regardless of a positive throat culture, do not need to be excluded from child care or school. Persons who have strep bacteria in their throats and do not have any symptoms (carriers) appear to be at little risk of spreading infection.
Children without symptoms, regardless of a positive throat culture, do not need to be excluded from child care or school. Persons who have strep bacteria in their throats and do not have any symptoms (carriers) appear to be at little risk of spreading infection.
Causes
Causes
Streptococcus bacteria (Group A strep)
Incubation
It usually takes two to five days from the time a person is exposed until symptoms develop.
Incubation
It usually takes two to five days from the time a person is exposed until symptoms develop.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
If your child develops a sore throat and other symptoms listed above, keep him/her home and call your healthcare provider.
Frequent, careful hand washing by child care staff, children, and household members.
Clean, rinse with clean water, then sanitize mouthed toys daily and when soiled.
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Parents/guardians: Inform your school/child care provider if your child has this illness.
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Streptococcal Sore Throat Scarlet Fever.pdf
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