District 97 wants to remind families that pertussis (whooping cough) is still a concern within the community. District 97 has had an additional confirmed case reported at one of our schools earlier this week, and are working with the Oak Park Health Department to help educate families to prevent the spread of the pertussis virus. Please find the sign/symptoms, treatment recommendations, and vaccination information for pertussis below.
The following are the best practices to avoid the spread of pertussis and other respiratory viruses:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
- Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands, if you don’t have a tissue.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.
- Stay home if sick.
Symptoms usually appear five to 10 days after exposure, but can take as long as 21 days. The first symptoms are similar to those of a common cold - a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever and a mild, occasional cough. The cough gradually becomes severe and, after one to two weeks, the patient has spasmodic bursts of numerous, rapid coughs. The characteristic high-pitched "whoop," which is more common in children, comes from breathing in after a coughing episode. During such an attack, the patient may turn blue, vomit and become exhausted. Between coughing attacks, the patient usually appears normal. Coughing attacks occur more frequently at night. The attacks increase in frequency for a couple of weeks, remain at the same level for two-to three-weeks, and then gradually decrease. Coughing may last as long as 100 days. Cough medicines usually do not help eliminate this cough. Recovery is gradual, but coughing episodes can recur for months after the onset of pertussis. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please visit your medical provider for an evaluation, testing and/or treatment. The course of treatment would be receiving antibiotics for 5 days, in addition to, refraining from school/work while receiving treatment.
The best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated. In the United States, the recommended pertussis vaccine for babies and children is called DTaP. This is a combination vaccine that helps protect against three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Vaccine protection for pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria can fade with time. Preteens going to the doctor for their regular check-up at age 11 or 12 years should get a dose of Tdap. Tdap is a booster shot for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Teens and/or adults that did not get this vaccine at the 11- or 12-year-old check-ups are not protected and should get their Tdap vaccination. It is also recommended that adults receive a tetanus and diphtheria booster (called Td) every 10 years. Remember that even fully-vaccinated adults can get pertussis. If you are caring for babies, check with your healthcare professional about what’s best for your situation.
More information on pertussis is posted online with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health. In addition, you can contact the Health Department at [email protected] or 708.358.5485 with any questions.