Oakton Elementary Warns of Strep Throat

sent an email to parents Wednesday informing them a few students have been diagnosed with streptococcal infection, or strep throat.

Strep throat is a contagious disease often spread through sneezing, coughing or shaking/holding hands because the bacteria that cause strep throat are mostly in one's nose and throat.

The school asks parents to help prevent the spread of infection by adhering to the following tips:

• Do not use common drinking glasses. Do not share personal articles such as toothbrushes.
• Keep children at home when they have the symptoms of a cold or sore throat accompanied by a fever.
• Follow the doctor’s directions for giving all prescribed medication.

Symptoms of strep throat include a fever, sore throat and tonsillitis. If a skin rash occurs as a sympton, it is likely scarlet fever.