7/31/2019 Pertussis Alert Letter to Erie Middle School -
10-23-12 - General-1
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Pertussis Disease Alert
Important Notice to ParentsOctober 23, 2012
A staff member at Erie Middle School has been diagnosed with
pertussis, also known as whooping cough. Pertussis is a
contagious illness that is spread when an infected person
sneezes or coughs and another individual breathes in the
bacteria. Symptoms of pertussis usually develop 7 to 10 days
after exposure but can develop from 4 to 21 days after
exposure.
Students and staff with a cough should inform their physician of
the possible exposure to pertussis and be examined. Ifyour
physician suspects pertussis you should be tested (PCR is the
preferred test) and receive an appropriate antibiotic for
pertussis. Students or staff diagnosed with pertussis cannot
return to school until completing five days of an appropriate
antibiotic.
Pertussis begins with a cough that progressively becomes more
severe until the person develops coughing fits. In between
coughing fits, the individual may look and feel fine. Vomiting,
breathlessness, a change in facial color, and/or a
whooping sound may follow the coughing fits. Pertussis may be
very severe in infants and young children (especially
those without 3 doses of pertussis vaccine), resulting in
hospitalization, seizures, long-term neurological problems, andeven
death. Pertussis can occur in immunized individuals, because the
immunity gained from vaccination typically wanes
by adolescence.
We also recommend you review immunization records of all your
children to ensure they are up-to-date on theirDTaP/Tdap shots. Two
new pertussis vaccines (Tdaptwo companies) were licensed in the
summer of 2005 for use in
adolescents and adults and may be available at your health care
provider.
In summary, we recommend the following:
Contact your health care provider if you have a cough. If
diagnosed with pertussis complete a course of an appropriate
antibiotic for pertussis. Individuals diagnosed with pertussis will
be excluded from school/child care until they have completed 5
days of an appropriate antibiotic. Review the DTaP/Tdap
immunization records of your children and arrange for vaccination
if not up to
date.
If you have any questions please contact Faton Emami R.N. BSN,
Weld County Public Health, Communicable DiseaseControl and
Prevention Program 970-304-6420, ext. 2311.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT1555 N. 17th
AvenueGreeley, CO 80631
Web:http://www.weldhealth.org
Our vision: Together with the communities we serve, we are
working to make Weld County the healthiest place to live, learn,
work and play.
Health AdministrationVital RecordsTele: 970.304.6410
Fax: 970.304.6412
Public Health & ClinicalServicesTele: 970.304.6420
Fax: 970.304.6416
Communication,Education & PlanningTele: 970.304.6470
Fax: 970.304.6452
Environmental HealthServicesTele: 970.304.6415
Fax: 970.304.6411
Emergency Preparedness& ResponseTele: 970.304.6420
Fax: 970.304.6469
http://www.weldhealth.org/http://www.weldhealth.org/http://www.weldhealth.org/
