Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Alert

May 8th 2015. There has been a recent confirmed case of whooping cough (pertussis) in a member of the Chrysalis School community.

Whooping cough caught at school can spread to any other members at home. Coughing spreads the infection to others nearby. Whooping cough can be especially dangerous for babies.
Whooping cough starts like a cold and progresses to bouts of coughing that can last for many weeks. Older children may just have a cough that is persistent and is worse at night. The infection may also occur in fully-vaccinated children.
What should people sick with pertussis do?
Pertussis is readily spread from an infected person to others by coughing and sneezing. If left untreated, it can be spread for up to three (3) weeks after the start of the infected person’s cough.
 
Do not attend work, school or a childcare facility if you or any household members:

  • Have a cough as described above. Please see your doctor.
  • Are being tested for whooping cough by your doctor and waiting for test results.
  • Are being treated with antibiotics for whooping cough for at least five (5) days after starting the medicine

Keep coughing children away from babies.
Whooping cough vaccines give good protection against infection but immunity fades. If your school-aged child has younger siblings, it’s a good idea to check that they are up to date with their vaccines. For further advice, please call the Public Health Unit 1300 066 055 or NSW Health website
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Factsheets/pertussis.pdf
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/whoopingcough/Pages/default.aspx