Dear Parents,

Our school district has become aware that confirmed cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have been identified in surrounding school districts. Although no cases have been identified in the Middletown City School District, we want you to be aware of the incidence so that you may take necessary precautions. This information is especially important for those parents with babies younger than 6 months old that are not yet adequately protected, and parents who have children not immunized with the DTaP immunization.

Pertussis or whooping cough, is a respiratory infection caused by the Brodetella pertussis bacterium. It's characterized by severe coughing spells that end in a whooping sound when the person breathes in. Pertussis is highly contagious. It is spread from person to person through tiny drops of fluid from an infected person's nose or mouth. These may become airborne when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or laughs. Others become infected by inhaling the drops or getting the drops on their hands and then touching their mouths or noses. Adults and adolescents can get pertussis if their immunity has faded, but infants and young children are most at risk.

How to recognize: The first symptoms are similar to those of a common cold (such as runny nose, sneezing, mild cough and low-grade fever). After approximately 1-2 weeks, the cough progresses into coughing spells that may last a minute or more. A child may even vomit after a coughing spell or turn red or purple from such violent coughing. In between coughing spells a child can feel ok. The coughing spells may last 2-4 weeks. Not all persons may develop the characteristic whoop, so if you suspect your child may have pertussis, you should seek the advice of his/her physician.

What to do if you suspect your child has pertussis: Call the doctor if you suspect that your child has pertussis or has been exposed to someone with pertussis. Call your doctor even if your child has been immunized. The infection will need to be treated with antibiotics. The doctor will also decide if preventive antibiotics or vaccine boosters for other family members will be needed. Your doctor will advise you of further action to take.

Prevention: Pertussis can be prevented with the pertussis vaccine, which is part of the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis) immunization. Hand washing eliminates germs of all kinds from your hands. Be sure to cover coughs and sneezes.

If you have further questions, don't hesitate to contact your school nurse.

Sincerely,

Dr. Susan Cracraft
Middletown City School District Physician