Please take precautionary measures should you or your child have a sore throat. Several of our staff and students are suffering from the symptoms of strep (streptococcus) throat, which is a contagious disease.

Although many types of bacteria can cause throat infections, Streptococcus, or strep, is the most common cause of bacterial sore throat. Strep throat is contagious. It is spread by close contact with an infected person, often by inhaling airborne droplets from an infected person's coughs and sneezes.

Anyone affected with strep throat should seek immediate treatment and remain at home for at least 24h after starting antibiotics.

The most characteristic symptoms of strep throat are sore throat and painful swallowing. Other symptoms include:

• Chills and fever
• Swollen and tender glands (lymph nodes) on the sides of the neck
• Red and swollen appearance inside the throat
• Pus-like white or yellow patches or spots may be visible on the back of the throat and on the tonsils
• Headache, nausea and vomiting may also be present
• Earache
• Body aches and pains.