Misinformation circulating online is causing some parents and caregivers to confuse regular rheumatic fever swabs for Covid-19 tests. "The misinformation appears to [be] directed at the Mana Kidz programme which provides an equitable rheumatic fever prevention programme." The service provides throat swabs to tamariki to detect Streptococcal infections, which if left untreated can lead to rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease which can be fatal. Caregivers must provide give their written consent to have a child seen in the school-based Mana Kidz programme, the organisations said. School-based throat swabbing services, such as the Mana Kidz programme, are a key element of rheumatic fever prevention interventions."

Source: New Zealand Herald February 25, 2021 18:49 UTC