News

Monday, September 20, 2010

Pertussis epidemic in California

A message from the districts’ nurses

California is currently experiencing an epidemic of pertussis. Pertussis is also known as whooping cough and is a highly contagious respiratory infection. Pertussis typically has long coughing spasms and is accompanied by a whooping sound as children try to catch their breath. Other symptoms include vomiting, gagging or choking after coughing.

Pertussis often starts as a common cold but lasts for 1-2 weeks, or even longer. It is most harmful to infants under the age of one year, but there is also a waning immunity as children age. The vaccines DTaP in younger children and Tdap in adolescents and adults are the best way to prevent the spread of pertussis. Caregivers and people in close contact with infants and pregnant women should receive a vaccine to protect infants from this serious infection. See your health care provider to receive the vaccine. If your health care provider is unable to provide the vaccine, it is available through the public health department.

Other ways to prevent the spread is to wash hands well and often, not sharing supplies, and regularly cleaning surfaces that are frequently touched. If you or your child(ren) have any of the above symptoms, please see your health care provider, as antibiotics can used to treat this infection. People with pertussis should remain at home for at least five days with an appropriate antibiotic. For more information about the disease or immunization clinic hours being held go to www.sbcphd.org or contact your local health care provider.