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Strep throat cases on the rise in Hillsborough County

Cases of strep spike in Brandon & Temple Terrace
Posted at 9:35 PM, May 29, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-30 05:58:31-04

TAMPA, Fla. — Doctors are warning parents to be aware of the symptoms of strep throat.

Florida Hospital Centra Care locations have seen an increase in patients testing positive for strep throat.

"We're seeing more of it in the last few weeks then we've had in the last couple of months," said Dr. Karen Tootle, Florida Hospital Centra Care. 

At the Florida Hospital Centra Care locations, cases are up 100% in Brandon and 400% in Temple Terrace.

"It's surprising. Typically, it wouldn't be a summer issue. It would probably be something that would happen when the kids are in school," said parent Amanda Carey.

Strep throat is mainly spread through person to person contact and like a virus, the bacteria that causes strep can survive on surfaces. It is very contagious especially in children ages 5 to 15.

Amanda Carey said her children are on summer break, but when they get home from school she does frequent loads of laundry.

"When we come home, we get school germs off us basically and the school is really good with advocating hand sanitizer and hand washing," said Carey.

Parents said they'll watch out for symptoms of strep throat. Amy Entress said her daughter caught strep last Christmas.

"Really sore throat, very tired, she doesn't really want to do anything, low-grade fever," said Entress.

Symptoms include sore throat, sudden fever, headache, loss of appetite, stomachache, nausea, and chills.

All Florida Hospital Centra Care locations have a rapid strep test available in the office that can confirm in minutes if you have strep throat. It is treated with antibiotics.