Since the school year began about a month ago, there has been five reported cases of pertussis in Thurston County.
While typically a relatively mild illness for older children and
adults, pertussis can be life threatening for infants and young children, and
dangerous for pregnant women.
Pertussis
is spread through the air and by secretions of the nose and throat in the same
manner as a cold. The illness starts with mild cold symptoms, followed in 4 to
5 days by a cough. The cough can become severe, causing children to vomit or
have difficulty breathing. Difficulty breathing causes the characteristic
“whoop” sound in children with severe illness. Most children are immunized
during infancy and preschool years and are protected while they are the most
vulnerable. Immunity wanes over time leaving older children and adults
susceptible to the illness.
Pertussis
containing vaccine is available for older children and adults. The
recommendation is that all individuals 11 years of age and older receive one
dose of Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine. Vaccine for children is
available from their health care provider and most pharmacies will vaccinate
older children and adults.
The
three most important ways to prevent the spread of pertussis as well as many
other illnesses are:
1.
Frequent hand washing.
2.
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
3.
You and your child stay home when ill.
If
you or your child has a severe or persistent cough, or one that lasts longer
than a week, please see your family health care provider for an evaluation. If
you have questions, please contact your healthcare provider or school nurse.
