Scarlet Fever Outbreak in Jerome, Idaho

[Ian David]

GLIDE Number: EP-20070215-9904-USA
Date / time: 15/02/2007 07:39:17
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: North-America
Country: USA
State/County: State of Idaho
City: Jerome
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:
The Jerome School District now has six reported cases of scarlet fever after an outbreak last week of an unspecified number of students at Horizon Elementary School. Jerome Middle School confirmed its first case Wednesday. "We sent letters home with students letting parents know. We've had a lot of the flu going around and you catch scarlet fever the same way," said Assistant Principal Janet Avery. "We are not in a panic or alarmed about the disease going around, but we wanted to have parents aware that it is going around." Jerome's Horizon Elementary now has four cases of the infection, caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. Another student at Central Elementary caught scarlet fever as well, Avery said. South Central District Health explained that scarlet fever could possibly spread throughout the Magic Valley. When a child misses school due to illness, that information is passed along to the health district. So far, the illness has only been confirmed in Jerome but it could be elsewhere. Tom Machala, director of communicable disease prevention for the health district, explained that a few sore throats and fever have been reported in the Richfield and Dietrich school districts.

Wendell reported a case of strep throat and also had students out with sore throat. Scarlet fever is very contagious and could possibly spread throughout the Magic Valley, Machala said. "It is just like everything else circulating around," he said. "Take the stomach flu that started three or so months back and it has been reported across the nation." As scary as scarlet fever sounds, it is just another form of strep throat and is treated with antibiotics, said Cheryle Becker, epidemiology manager for South Central District Health. A scarlet rash is usually the most striking sign of the disease. "The rash is described as sandpapery and bumpy," she said. "It is often on the trunk and elbows and usually doesn't spread to the face, although the face can appear flushed. Patients may also get a bright red tongue called 'strawberry tongue.'" Other symptoms include a high fever of 101 to 104 degrees, chills, headache, sore throat, painful swallowing and vomiting. If scarlet fever isn't treated, it can lead to more severe health threats including blood and skin infections. In the meantime, Jerome educators are trying to keep the disease at bay by educating parents and practicing good hygiene at school. "We always encourage frequent hand-washings," Avery said. "And if a student is suspected of having the disease or if a parent notices symptoms of scarlet fever, we suggest they seek medical treatment right away."

More:
http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&id=9904

[foo_bar]

1. this is just a BIG PHARMA conspiracy to sell antibiotics

Big Media is suppressing the truth about healing crystals. Hey, wanna buy a healing crystal? It's Blessed and has +1 saving throws against Elven Papillomavirus.

[Ian David]

2. Damn those naughty, seductive elves and their nasty disesases. n/t

[Qanisqineq]

3. I had scarlet fever as a kid

The way my mom was suspicious about what it was (she worked in a lab at a clinic) was my legs would freeze up. I couldn't really feel them or move them. It was very scary but I don't remember feeling terribly sick and I was showered with presents for some reason. I was in second grade and I didn't get presents when I was sick with chicken pox or anything else so I thought it was great.

Anyway... I guess I've never really looked into it to see what caused it. It's another form of strep -- huh, I used to have strep at least once a year (and hospitalized every couple years for strep) until I was in my mid-twenties.

Suddenly I am getting a sore throat... :P

[joneschick]

4. It's serious but not panic time

when everyone else in Milwaukee was dealing with cryptosperidium in '93 my three girls all had scarlet fever. (my s-i-l unknowingly had a systemic strep infection that nearly killed her a week later) They were treated and, pffffft, nothing. It's a form of strep that can have serious implications. Be aware and take care. :hi:

[kestrel91316]

5. Strep throat is caused by demons. All you have to do is pray.

Antibiotics made by evil corporations don't work. It's all just a conspiracy.

[HeeBGBz]

6. There were some cases down here in MS, too.

They sent info on scarlet fever home with the kids. What to watch out for. That was a couple of months ago.