Health officials are urging all children and young people with a sore throat be checked immediately as the symptom could be caused by Covid-19 or Strep A.
Toi Te Ora Public Health Medical Officer of Health Dr Jim Miller said Strep A could lead to
rheumatic fever, a serious preventable disease which could cause permanent heart damage.
"Unfortunately we continue to receive reports of cases of acute rheumatic fever during this period of national disruption," Miller said.
Rheumatic fever often started with a sore throat and a few weeks later the child may develop sore or swollen joints, skin rash, fever, stomach pain and jerky movements.