Oct 18, 2016 1 min read

Officials at Peters Township School District confirmed two cases of scarlet fever.

In an email to parents and guardians, the district described symptoms and how to keep students healthy.

“This isn’t out of the ordinary for the district… to give health updates,” said Shelly Belcher, district communications coordinator. “We’ve done it in the past with things like whooping cough.

“It’s precautionary.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus or “group A strep.” Quick treatment with antibiotics can prevent possible long-term health problems.

Although anyone can get scarlet fever, it usually affects children between 5 and 15 years old. Symptoms of the disease are a red rash that feels rough, fever and sore throat.

The best way to prevent the spread of scarlet fever is frequent hand washing and to avoid sharing personal items.