Media release from Bay Of Plenty District Health Board

"We are one step closer to ensuring Bay of Plenty parents and children realise that sore throats matter. A strep sore throat can lead to rheumatic fever which can potentially damage your heart," says Medical Officer of Health Dr Phil Shoemack.

Te Ao Hou Primary Health Organisation and Whakatohea Iwi Social and Health Services have successfully introduced the first stage of a school-based throat swabbing project in Opotiki to prevent rheumatic fever occurring.

To mark this milestone, a celebration day was held at Te Kura O Torere, near Opotiki, which was the first school to have all consent forms returned from parents.

The number of Rheumatic Fever cases is three times higher in the Bay of Plenty than the New Zealand average. The Bay of Plenty District Health Board has prioritised this issue and has put its support behind the prevention campaign.

By detecting and treating 'strep throat' infection amongst Opotiki school children, rheumatic fever is less likely to develop.

"The support from Opotiki schools and the local community has been outstanding.

"We are excited to see the progress the Opotiki community is making and we hope that this momentum will support our wider awareness campaign across the Bay of Plenty," says Dr Shoemack.

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.

Taking sore throats seriously will help prevent life long illness and suffering for our tamariki.

Sore throats matter - get them checked!

For more information visit www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz.