09/25/24

The Vilas County Public Health Department is trying to be proactive by informing schools about pertussis this respiratory season.

We had a school within our area asking the following questions related to pertussis:

1) Will a list of close contacts be provided so that we can help monitor for symptoms/know who needs to be excluded?

            To protect our patients and their privacy there will be limited information given. Health alerts will be sent out with every confirmed case, this will include current symptoms, date of conformation ect.

2) Will household close contacts, who are considered high risk according to the information that you sent, be treated with antibiotics even without symptoms?

         It is recommended by DHS and CDC for any close contacts to speak to their provider about antibiotic treatment. Close contacts should monitor for symptoms up to 21 days following exposure. If a person develops symptoms contact your provider for antibiotic treatment.

3) Can close contacts attend school if they are being treated and do not have symptoms?

            Any person with or without symptoms could be contagious for five days after the start of antibiotic treatment. If they do not receive antibiotic treatment, they are contagious up to 21 days and should closely monitor symptoms without quarantine.

4) Can close contacts attend school if they are not being treated and do not have symptoms?

            Yes, they are to monitor for symptoms for 21 days from last exposure.

5)  At what point are they clear to attend school if they were excluded?

         If receiving antibiotic treatment, they are no longer contagious 5 days after the start of their antibiotic.

Attached:

         WI Pertussis Guidance

         Cold vs. Flu vs. Pertussis

         2024 Pertussis Fact Sheet

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Vilas County Public Health Department.

Thank you,