Pertussis (also called whooping cough) has been reported among students in our schools and in our community.
Pertussis can be a serious bacterial illness. Pertussis may begin with a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and possibly a low grade fever. After 1 or 2 weeks, the cough worsens and begins to occur in sudden, uncontrollable bursts. These coughing attacks can end in vomiting and/or in a high-pitched whooping noise. Coughing attacks often happen at night. Older children and adults may have a less typical cough. The cough can continue for up to 3 months.
Persons with pertussis should not go to school, work, or any activities until they have finished 5 days of antibiotic treatment, unless the person has already been coughing for 3 or more weeks. Although the cough can last longer than 3 weeks, a person is no longer contagious after the third week.
The disease can be less severe in adults and older children and when not recognized and treated, can be easily passed on to infants, who may become very ill. However, deaths from pertussis are rare.
Most children have been vaccinated for pertussis, however, protection decreases over time. Studies have shown that the immunity from the vaccine decreases after 3-5 years from the last vaccination, which is usually given before kindergarten. Therefore, most adolescents and adults are at risk for pertussis. A pertussis booster vaccine for adolescents and adults is now available and is given with the tetanus-diphtheria booster. Parents of children 10 years and older and adults (especially those with infants less than 12 months of age in their home) should talk to their healthcare provider about Tdap.
If you or your child has a cough and has had contact with someone with pertussis or has been coughing for 7 days or longer, discuss pertussis with your healthcare provider. Questions from you or your healthcare provider can be directed to LoAnn DeGagne', RN/LSN, ISD #47 District Nurse at 258-1731.
