Strep throat cases increase in Ashtabula County, Ohio

Ashtabula County is seeing an increase in cases of strep throat and scarlet fever, according to local health officials. The rash associated with scarlet fever is a symptom of the strep infection. However, the number of cases in the county has not been specified. The health department reassured the public that there is no heightened risk beyond seasonal patterns. In contrast, health officials in Cuyahoga County report no similar surge in strep throat cases. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. Common symptoms include a sore throat, fever, red and swollen tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes. Children are particularly vulnerable to this infection, especially when sharing food and drinks. It's important to note that not every sore throat is strep; only about 30% of children and 10% of adults with sore throats are diagnosed with strep throat. If not treated, strep throat can lead to serious complications, like kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever. This latter condition can affect the heart and joints, among other issues. Health officials advise anyone with symptoms to see a doctor for a diagnosis and possible antibiotics. To prevent spreading the infection, people with strep throat should avoid sharing food and drinks, and refrain from close contact if they have a rash. The CDC estimates that strep throat leads to approximately 5.2 million outpatient visits each year among those under 65.