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Regional | Health

Northland schools still battling Strep-A bug

Over 50 schools in Northland have been rolling out a programme to fight the Strep-A bug which causes rheumatic fever, but 12 months on, there's no real evidence of a drop in cases.

These 50 throat clinics were a District Health Board (DHB) response to the region's increasing rheumatic fever problem, which is still troubling Northland families. This rheumatic fever specialist says good care at home is needed.

Catherine says an integrated approach is needed, and the Whangaroa community is a good example.

The Northland DHB is encouraging all communities to look into the housing issue, which will help the fight against this disease.