Suspected (Not Confirmed) Case of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) on Campus

Dear Parent/Guardian:

A person is suspected (not confirmed) of having pertussis (whooping cough) at Prairie Crest Elementary. It is important that you are aware of the symptoms of pertussis and have your child/ren evaluated by a physician if they have symptoms.

Pertussis is spread through the air when infected people cough. Pertussis symptoms have two stages. The first stage begins like a cold with a runny nose, sneezing, and cough. The cough lasts a week or two and then slowly gets worse. The second stage is marked by uncontrolled coughing spells and a whooping noise when the person inhales. During severe coughing spells, a person may vomit or become blue in the face from lack of air. Between spells, the person often appears to be well. This stage lasts for four to six weeks. In adolescents and adults, pertussis often presents as an illness with a long lasting cough.

Antibiotic therapy early in the course of the disease may decrease the severity of symptoms. Antibiotics are also recommended for people who are exposed to someone with pertussis to prevent them from getting disease and possibly spreading it to others. If your child has symptoms (cold, persistent cough, etc.), have your child evaluated by your healthcare provider for pertussis and begin treatment. Please take the enclosed letter with you to your healthcare provider. Refer to the Pertussis Fact Sheet for further information.

Letter, Fact Sheet, and more information are available here.

If you need further information, please contact your physician or the school nurse at 319-848-5225.

Sincerely,

College Community Schools
Nursing Department