February 14, 2022
Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members:
We have recently been notified that one or more students and/or staff members in Riggins Elementary have tested positive for Strep Throat. We will continue to monitor the health of our students, staff, and visitors. The safety and health of our students and staff are the priority.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. Strep throat accounts for only a small portion of sore throats. If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage.
Strep throat is most common in children, but it affects people of all ages. If you or your child has signs or symptoms of strep throat, see your doctor for prompt testing and treatment.
Signs and symptoms of strep throat can include:
- Throat pain that usually comes on quickly
- Painful swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate)
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
- Fever
- Headache
- Rash
- Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children
- Body aches
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20350338
Please contact Trisha Simonson (elementary principal) for more information.
Sincerely,
Trisha Simonson Riggins Elementary Principal simonsont@jsd243.org