News
The latest news and information from Toi Te Ora Public Health Service.
3rd of November 2009
3.11.2009 - Did you know sore throats can break a heart?
An untreated sore throat ("strep throat") can lead to rheumatic fever, a serious disease which may result in permanent heart damage. Rheumatic fever is a common problem in the Bay of Plenty, where the annual incidence is nearly three times the New Zealand rate. Yet rheumatic fever is preventable and you can help by raising awareness that sore throats can break a heart. If a child complains of a sore throat make sure they get checked. If a ‘strep throat’ is diagnosed, the doctor will usually prescribe a 10 day course of antibiotics. By taking sore throats seriously, we can help prevent life long illness and suffering for our tamariki. Sore throats matter – get them checked!
For further information click here or email Lindsay Lowe, Rheumatic Fever Co-ordinator - Lindsay.Lowe@bopdhb.govt.nz
