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Strep Throat/Scarlet Fever (group A streptococcus bacteria)

This is intended as a general guide. Consult a health care provider for diagnosis and for recommendations or advice.

How it Spreads

Contact with secretions from the nose or mouth of an infected person (i.e. sneezing, coughing).

Incubation period *1–3 days.

* Incubation period = Time between contact with disease and start of symptom.

How to Recognize

Fever, very sore red throat, headache, swollen glands, trouble swallowing, nausea, sore stomach.

If scarlet fever, can have sandpaper-like rash.

When it is Contagious

10–21 days or until 24 hours after starting appropriate antibiotic treatment.

When to Report/Exclude

Exclude from child care and school for 24 hours after the start of appropriate antibiotic.

References

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Canadian Pediatric Society

MOHLTC Infectious Diseases Protocol 2022