Group A Strep Throat Infections at THHS
May 5, 2009

In recent weeks we have seen many Two Harbors High School students diagnosed with Group A Streptococcal Throat infection. Group A Strep (also known as GAS) infection of the throat is spread through direct contact with discharge from the nose or mouth of an infected person (ex: coughing/sneezing). Group A Strep infections can be mild, can cause moderate illness (like strep throat) or can lead to serious and even life threatening illness. It is important to identify strep infection early and begin antibiotic treatment.

In order to avoid additional students becoming ill, we ask parents to follow the following infection control guidelines:

- If your child has had a sore throat for more than 2 days (without upper respiratory symptoms, cough, and congestion) take him/her to the doctor for a strep throat screening test. Other symptoms of strep throat include fever, white pus on tonsils, stomachache, headache, and fatigue.

- If a strep throat test is positive, your child must stay home on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school. Make sure that she/he takes every dose of prescribed antibiotic, in order to avoid antibiotic resistance and recurrence of the strep throat.

- Remind your kids to cover their coughs, wash hands frequently, and avoid spending time with friends who are ill.

- Let the school nurse know if your student is diagnosed with strep throat.

If you have questions regarding Group A Strep, please call Louise Anderson, RN, School Nurse at 218-834-8201, Ext 8212.