October 2, 2012 Dear Parent/Guardian: We have received notification of three suspected Pertussis cases (whooping cough) in The Somerset Hills School District. In our efforts to keep you informed, the Bernards Township and Somerset County Health Departments have provided the information listed below which we are distributing to PreK-12 parents/guardians to help understand the precautions, symptoms and treatment of the illness. Pertussis is highly contagious and spread through the air by a cough or a sneeze. Pertussis begins with cold symptoms and a cough, which becomes much worse over 1-2 weeks. Symptoms usually include a long series of coughing fits followed by a whooping noise. However, older children, adults, and very young infants may not develop the whoop. There is generally only a slight fever. People with Pertussis may have a series of severe coughing fits followed immediately by vomiting, turning blue, or difficulty catching their breath. The cough is often worse at night and may not be evident during the day. Cough medicines and asthma treatments usually do not help alleviate the cough. The cough may last for weeks or months. Pertussis treatment is most effective EARLY in the course of the illness. If your child has cold symptoms or a worsening cough please contact your health care provider for a visit. If your child has been around someone with Pertussis, he/she might become sick with the disease. This is especially true if your child is not up-to-date with the Pertussis vaccine. Even if your child's shots are up-to-date, it is still possible to get Pertussis. Parents should check vaccine records with their physicians. Also, parents should advise their physicians that their children may have been in close contact with a child with Pertussis. The reason you are susceptible is because your immunity to Pertussis wanes or decreases with time. Contact your health care provider to see if your child is due for a booster. Even if your child does not have symptoms, an antibiotic may be prescribed by the physician which may reduce the severity of the disease. If your child is ill with Pertussis, the antibiotic may reduce symptoms and make it less contagious. Also, please consider the following New Jersey Department of Health recommendations: - Infants under one year old, especially those under six months, are most likely to have severe symptoms if they develop Pertussis. When possible, young infants should be kept away from people with a cough. Infants with any coughing illness should be seen promptly by their doctor.
- Pertussis vaccine has until recently, been given only to children under 7 years old. However, a new adolescent and adult Pertussis booster vaccine is now available for persons ages 10-64 years. If you have children who have not been completely immunized against Pertussis (particularly infants under one year) we recommend you talk to your child's doctor immediately. Tell the doctor that Pertussis has been identified in your school.
- It is generally recommended that those persons having close contact with a Pertussis case receive antibiotics from their doctor to help prevent them from getting Pertussis.
- Do not send your child to school/day care if she/he has any signs or symptoms of Pertussis.
Any student diagnosed with whooping cough will be required to provide written clearance from a doctor before returning to school. If you have specific concerns or questions about your child's health, please contact your health care provider. Additional information regarding Pertussis can found at the CDC website -http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/index.html Sincerely, Pete Miller Superintendent of Schools |
