Streptococcal Infections (Strep Throat, Scarlet Fever)

Cause/Symptoms: Bacteria. Strep Throat: Very sore and red throat, fever. Scarlet Fever: High fever, vomiting, "sandpaper" skin rash, "strawberry tongue", red cheeks and whiteness around mouth. During convalescence, skin on hands and feet may peel.

Transmission: Direct or indirect contact with respiratory secretions.

Incubation: Usually 1 to 3 days.

Period of Communicability: From onset of symptoms until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment initiated.
10 to 21 days if untreated.

Your child can return to daycare once all the following criteria has been meet:
~ 48 hrs after the start of treatment
~ Fever

• 24 hours from the time the fever reducing medication are out of your child system (8 to 10 hours after taking last dose) and fever has not returned
• 24 hours free of any fever reducing medication or any other medication that can mask symptoms of illness.
• If no medication is given: 24 hours starting one (1) hour after you discover your child’s fever has broken

~ Vomiting

• 48 hours from the time the vomit reducing medication (such as, Gravel) are out of your child system (8 to 10 hours after taking last dose) and vomiting has not restarted
  
• 48 hours free of any vomit reducing medication or any other medication that can mask symptoms of illness.
  
• If no medication is given: 48 hours starting one (1) hour after the last time your child vomited.
  

~ your child is breathing fine
~ your child is eating and drinking normally
~ your child can participate in all daycare activities

This can mean your child might be home 48 hours or longer before being able to return to daycare

Streptococcal Infection (Invasive Group A Strep)

Cause/Symptoms: Necrotizing fasciitis: Fever, localised redness, swelling, blister formation, and intense pain. Redness spreads very quickly. Toxic Shock Syndrome: Sudden onset of high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, muscle pains, and shock. Can be fatal.

Transmission: Direct or indirect contact with respiratory secretions or with discharge from wounds.

Incubation: Usually 1 to 3 days.

Period of Communicability: From onset of symptoms until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment initiated.

Your child can return to daycare once all the following criteria has been meet:
~ 48 hrs after the start of treatment
~ Diarrhea

• 24 hours from the time the diarrhea reducing medication are out of your child system (8 to 10 hours after taking last dose) and diarrhea has not returned
• 24 hours free of any diarrhea reducing medication or any other medication that can mask symptoms of illness.
• If no medication is given: 24 hours starting one (1) hour after your child's last diarrhea bowel movement

~ Fever

• 24 hours from the time the fever reducing medication are out of your child system (8 to 10 hours after taking last dose) and fever has not returned
• 24 hours free of any fever reducing medication or any other medication that can mask symptoms of illness.
• If no medication is given: 24 hours starting one (1) hour after you discover your child’s fever has broken

~ Vomiting

• 24 hours from the time the vomit reducing medication (such as, Gravel) are out of your child system (8 to 10 hours after taking last dose) and vomiting has not restarted
  
• 24 hours free of any vomit reducing medication or any other medication that can mask symptoms of illness.
  
• If no medication is given: 24 hours starting one (1) hour after the last time your child vomited.
  

~ your child is breathing fine
~ your child is eating and drinking normally
~ your child can participate in all daycare activities
~ all blisters most have cleared up
~ rash most be gone

This can mean your child might be home 48 hours or longer before being able to return to daycare