Daniel T. Connor
Superintendent

227 Main Street
Goshen, NY 10924
(845) 615-6720

District news

SAS student treated for pertussis: View a letter from the Department of Health

January 4, 2012 - A student in Scotchtown Avenue Elementary School has been treated for confirmed pertussis (whooping cough). Antibiotics given early in the infection may reduce symptoms and does shorten the period of communicability.

Pertussis begins as a mild respiratory infection. Symptoms resemble those of a common cold with sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and mild cough. Within two weeks, the cough becomes more severe and is characterized by episodes of numerous rapid coughs followed by a crowning or high-pitched whoop. A thick, clear mucous may be discharged. If your child has any of these symptoms, please consider a physician's evaluation. Emphasis on hand washing and disposable tissues may also help prevent contagion.

While pertussis can occur at any age, the risk of symptomatic infection in appropriately immunized persons is low.

The main danger of pertussis is to infants up to one year. Do not allow anyone with an active cough near very young children, particularly babies. Anyone with a persistent cough (all ages) should be evaluated for pertussis.

If you have any questions, you may call the Health Department at 291-2330.

Sincerely,
Jean M. Hudson, M.D., M.P.H.
Commissioner

FACTS ABOUT PERTUSSIS (WHOOPING COUGH)

What is pertussis?
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease involving the respiratory tract. It is caused by a bacterium that is found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person.

Who gets pertussis?
Pertussis can occur at any age. Pertussis is increasing in teenagers and adults.

How is pertussis spread?
Pertussis is primarily spread by direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat of persons with whooping cough.

What are symptoms of pertussis?
Pertussis starts like a common cold, including sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough. Within two weeks, the cough becomes more severe. Rapid coughs can be followed by a crowning or high-pitched whoop. The cough is more frequent at night.

When and for how long is a person able to spread pertussis?
A person can spread pertussis from the time of the first cough to three weeks after the cough has started.

What is the vaccine for pertussis?
The vaccine for pertussis is usually given in combination with diptheria and tetanus. Immunization authorities recommend DTaP (diptheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis) vaccine be given at 2, 4, 6 and 15-18 months of age and between 4 and 6 years of age. Tdap is now recommended for 11-18 year olds as a one time booster dose.

Can pertussis be treated?
YES.
1. If you have a harsh, rapid cough, see your doctor or clinic.
2. Treatment with antibiotics for five days can prevent spreading the infection to others.