7.3.1.2: Informing Caregivers/Teachers of Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Infection

 

Anyone in an early care and education program infected with group A streptococcal (GAS), such as strep throat or scarlet fever, should inform program staff as soon as possible. Staff should follow recommended actions for infected individuals and alert exposed families and staff to watch for symptoms.¹

 

RATIONALE

Both children and adults can become infected with GAS; close contact, which is typical in early care and education programs, can cause GAS to spread. Awareness of infection in a program, temporarily excluding infected children or staff, and seeking medical care if symptoms develop can help reduce spread of GAS.²

COMMENTS

Sample letters of notification to parents/guardians that their child may have been exposed to an infectious disease are in the current edition of the publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools.¹ 

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

3.6.1.1 Inclusion/Exclusion/Dismissal of Ill Children
3.6.4.3 Notification of the Facility About Infectious Disease or Other Problems by Parents/Guardians
7.3.1.1 Exclusion for Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Infections

REFERENCES

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools: A Quick Reference Guide. Aronson SS, Shope TR, eds. 5th ed. Itasca, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2020

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Group A streptococcal (GAS) disease. Pharyngitis (strep throat). CDC.gov Web site. Last reviewed November 1, 2018. Accessed March 1, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-hcp/strep-throat.htm

NOTES

Content in the standard was modified on 7/05/2022.