We have received a report that a case of Pertussis (whooping cough) has been identified in our school. Pertussis is a very contagious respiratory illness that is spread from person to person. The bacteria is spread when one person with the bacteria coughs or sneezes on another person.
Symptoms usually begin with a tickling cough that may be confused with an allergy cough. The cough worsens over 1-2 weeks and may develop into coughing fits. Some infants and children may make a whooping sound when they cough or turn blue and have difficulty breathing. The cough is often worse at night.
Pertussis is a vaccine preventable disease. The best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated. Children and adults need pertussis vaccines. The CDC recommends the following
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DTaP
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Tdap
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2 months
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11 – 12 years
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4 months
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During every pregnancy at 27 – 36 weeks
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6 months
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Anytime for those who never received it
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15 – 18 months
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4 – 6 years
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If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of illness, please contact your physician. Thank you for partnering with us to keep all the community safe and healthy.
Resources:
Parents: Making the Vaccine Decisionand Protect Your Child at Every Age
Vaccine Information for Adults
CDC Pertussis Information
NJDOH Pertussis Information