"🩺 Important Information for Our School Community 🩺

Kia ora koutou,

We are writing to inform you that there has been a confirmed case of scarlet fever and a possible case of whooping cough in our school community.

We are working to minimise the risk of further spread. We encourage you to be especially vigilant for any signs or symptoms in your children.

Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes. Common symptoms include:

1. Sore throat

2. Fever

3. Headache

4. A fine, red, sandpaper-like rash

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection. Symptoms may include:

1. Persistent coughing fits

2. A “whooping” sound when breathing in (not always present)

3. Vomiting after coughing

4. Exhaustion following coughing fits

What You Should Do

• If your child shows any symptoms or is feeling unwell, please keep them at home and contact your GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for medical advice.

• Children diagnosed with either illness should stay home until cleared by a health professional before returning to school.

• Good hygiene practices—such as regular handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes—are important in reducing spread.

We appreciate your support in keeping our school community healthy and safe. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

For further information click on

Health New Zealand Link

https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/whooping-cough