Strep throat cases draw concerns in Hamilton County

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With it being the season for sickness, doctors are seeing an increase in strep throat cases in Hamilton County. 

“If we are talking about regular strep throat, then we are seeing a rise in that. Unfortunately, it is not reportable,” said Dr. Stephen Miller, Health Officer for Hamilton County Health Department. “So, we do not have numbers to go with it. But we are seeing more positive, strep tests coming in and more people that are dealing with strep.” 

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils which is highly contagious. 

Doctors say that’s especially true for children. 

“We find that it is 30% more in children than we see in adults. But remember, these children do come home, and they bring these infections with them,” said Dr. Miller. “Those of us who are parents need to be mindful of what spreading around in the classroom, and we need to be involved in their school to know what is going on.”

Symptoms of strep throat can include fever, pain when swallowing and red, swollen tonsils. 

“If we see people near us that are coughing, sneezing, either get up and move or perhaps even consider masking again for that short period of time. Thirty minutes of wearing your mask at an event might prevent a whole week of missing work,” Miller concluded.