Scarlet Fever Reported at School

By Tom Vogt, The Columbian, Vancouver, Wash.

Mar. 1–3 cases confirmed; disease is treated with antibiotics

Three cases of scarlet fever have been confirmed in the community, according a note sent home Friday afternoon to parents of Chinook Elementary School students.

The disease is not unusual and is treated with antibiotics, said a county health official.

Even though scarlet fever is not on the state’s list of “reportable” conditions, school officials contacted Clark County Public Health.

“We have a close relationship with the schools,” said Marni Storey, public health services manager. “They wanted to send a letter home with parents, so they asked us to look at the letter.”

Students will not return to school until cleared by their physicians, according to the letter to parents.

Scarlet fever is caused by the same bacteria that causes strep throat, Storey said, adding that “Strep throat is very common.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Scarlet fever is a rash that sometimes occurs in people that have strep throat.

The rash of scarlet fever is usually seen in children under the age of 18.”

While scarlet fever is a common illness, the term can be frightening, Storey said. “It will respond to antibiotics. Before antibiotics, it could have been much more serious,” he added.

According to the CDC, symptoms include a rash that first appears as tiny red bumps on the chest and abdomen, then may spread all over the body; a flushed face with a pale area around the lips; a throat that is very red and sore; a fever of 101 or higher; and swollen neck glands.

“It’s spread by direct contact with secretions from the nose and throat,” Storey said. “People get sick of hearing it, but they need to do a good job of hand-washing and covering their coughs and sneezes. And, don’t share plates and cups and utensils.”

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