Woodstock Elementary School parents received an email today informing them that we do have a number of cases of “Whooping Cough” in our community. The condition is more technically known as “Pertussis” and can continue for as long as 10 weeks.
The email to parents from a school nurse reported at least three confirmed cases among children attending Woodstock Union Middle School but none currently known or documented in the elementary school. The condition is more technically known as “Pertussis.”
We have placed calls to the Ottauquechee Health Center for more information (hard to get through as they line is busy, busy, busy) and were referred to Mt. Ascutney Hospital’s “Risk Manager.” While we await for exact number of cases in our region, the State of Vermont has already updated a webpage concerning this flu-like condition.
Here is a portion of the email and information on Pertussis from the State of Vermont:
Please be aware that not only are there confirmed cases of the flu in our community but also pertussis (whooping cough) . There have been 3 reported cases of Pertussis in the WUMHS, and many students being treated because of known exposure to persons with pertussis. There have been no known cases of pertussis here at WES.
How does pertussis spread? Whooping cough spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. A person can spread the disease while he or she has cold-like symptoms and for at least 2 weeks after coughing starts. What are the symptoms of pertussis?
- Early symptoms include:
- runny nose, sneezing, low grade fever with a cough(which worsens).
- After 1-2 weeks symptoms include:
- Severe coughing “attacks” which are followed by whooping, vomiting, or gagging.When children gasp for breath after a coughing fit, they make a “whooping” sound.
- Coughing attacks occur more at night.
- Coughing attacks can last up to 10 weeks
When and how long is pertussis contagious? Persons with pertussis can spread it to others in the first 3 weeks of coughing if not treated with antibiotics. After a person with pertussis has taken antibiotics for 5 days, he or she can no longer spread the disease. Although the cough can last longer than 3 weeks, a person is no longer contagious after the third week. How long does my child need to stay home from school? Persons with pertussis should stay home from ALL activities until they have finished 5 days of antibiotics, unless they have already been coughing for 3 or more weeks. How can pertussis be prevented?
- Wash your hands often
- Stay at home if you are ill
- When coughing, cover your mouth with a tissue or cough into your sleeve
- Vaccinate
- One dose of Tdap vaccine is required for seventh grade enrollment and is recommended for ALL adults.
- There is no minimal time interval between doses of Td and Tdap
- Specific indications for Tdap include:
- children age 7 to 10 who have not completed the five dose DTaP series
- pregnant women during the third or late second trimester (after 20 weeks)
- adults over 64 years who anticipate contact with infants
- health care providers
More information about pertussis is available at the Health Department’s website (below). Included on the website is the Vermont Department of Health algorithm for the clinical evaluation and management of pertussis, sent to clinicians in August. http://healthvermont.gov/prevent/pertussis/Pertussis.aspx
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 