LT parents are outraged as more and more of their children are testing positive for Scarlet Fever. The infection, often related to strep throat, has students breaking out in bright red rashes with high fevers and sore throats. The mass spread was caused by the use of drinking fountains with the red water filter light, which most students presumed to be harmless. Superintendent Dr. Ryan Fireman recently responded to the controversies via schoolwide email. 

“The recent spread of Scarlet Fever throughout our school has come to my attention,” he said. “We are in the middle of a full investigation, and are currently encouraging students to avoid all drinking fountains. During this time, please avoid unnecessary touching, sharing drinks, and carpools. We wish for a full recovery from all our students suffering.” 

The halls of both campuses are barren, with one third of the student population at home sick, and more filtering into the health office by the minute. Attendance has fallen from a total 92.7% to 38.3%. The school nurse, Dr. Red, has begun urging school administrators to pause school for a week to let the disease vacate the building. 

“We see about 20-30 kids everyday,” she said. “These numbers are unattainable, and due to the extremely contagious nature of Scarlet Fever, we cannot keep this under wraps for much longer.” 

Students are extremely upset by the effects of the water fountains. In previous years, the red water filter has been benign. Imber Ningup ‘24 contracted Scarlet Fever after drinking only half a bottle’s worth of water from the drinking fountain. 

“Everyone was suspicious of the fountains, but I don’t think anyone thought it would be this bad,” she said. “I’ve never been more uncomfortable in my life. The worst part is, my entire family has it now too.”
Speculation has been going around whether or not the disease was planted in the school by rival Hinsdale Central, revenge for the embarrassment of dominating them in every sport. 

“It would be like those Red Devils to do something like this,” Ningup said. “I just didn’t think they would take it this far. Right in time to ruin our graduation too.”

Those who are still in school are finding it difficult to stay focused, and grades have seen a steep decline. Germa Fobe ‘26 has been extremely impacted by the spread. 

“There is no amount of antibiotics that will make me feel safe,” she said. “Seeing my friends bright red and itchy has been bad enough, not to mention the kids sick walking around the halls spreading their germs everywhere. I’m considering transferring.”

Principal Tennifer Jyrell is currently out of office with Scarlet Fever after using the water to make her coffee. There is no telling when she will return to school. 

“I only hope that these kids can make a comeback,” Red said. “Students who recover don’t feel safe returning until they know they won’t be affected again. This may be the worst outbreak in LT history. I can’t deny I smell foul play here.”