Montgomery County schools and health officials have notified students at two elementary schools, Viers Mill Elementary in Silver Spring and Diamond Elementary in Gaithersburg, that one student at each school has been identified with scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is a contagious disease that is not serious, unless left untreated.

Scarlet fever is caused by group A streptococci bacteria, which also causes strep throat. It is spread by contact with an infected person. Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms include sore throat, fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, spots on the tongue and a bright red rash that usually starts at the neck and chest. Children exhibiting any of these symptoms should see their physician for treatment. If left untreated, Scarlet fever can lead to heart disease or kidney disease.