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Croup refers to several fairly common respiratory illnesses caused by various viral infections. It is usually seen in young children between 3 months and 5 years of age, with a peak around age 2. Croup is more often seen in winter months, but can occur at any time of the year
Symptoms
Mild cough, runny nose, sore throat and fever may occur one to several days before symptoms of croup begin. Then hoarseness and a deepening non-productive cough (sounding like a barking seal) develop. Loss of one’s voice and stridor, a high pitched respiratory sound, are also common. Rapid breathing, sitting forward in the bed to cough, or making a noise when taking a breath may also occur. Symptoms get better during the day and worse at night. The illness lasts 3 to 4 days, but the cough may last longer. Hospitalization may be required for severe illness.
Symptoms
Mild cough, runny nose, sore throat and fever may occur one to several days before symptoms of croup begin. Then hoarseness and a deepening non-productive cough (sounding like a barking seal) develop. Loss of one’s voice and stridor, a high pitched respiratory sound, are also common. Rapid breathing, sitting forward in the bed to cough, or making a noise when taking a breath may also occur. Symptoms get better during the day and worse at night. The illness lasts 3 to 4 days, but the cough may last longer. Hospitalization may be required for severe illness.
Spread
Through secretions from an infected person’s nose and mouth or hands, tissues, or other items soiled with these secretions. Direct person-to-person contact is also a source of spread.
Spread
Through secretions from an infected person’s nose and mouth or hands, tissues, or other items soiled with these secretions. Direct person-to-person contact is also a source of spread.
Contagious Period
Contagious Period
From shortly before symptoms start and as long as acute symptoms continue.
Exclusion
Exclusion
Child Care: Until fever is gone, without the aid of fever reducing medication for 24 hours, and the child is well enough to participate in routine activities.
Causes
Many different viruses. A child may develop croup more than once. Not all persons exposed develop croup symptoms.
Causes
Many different viruses. A child may develop croup more than once. Not all persons exposed develop croup symptoms.
Incubation
May take up to 10 days after exposure for early symptoms to develop and several more days for croup symptoms to begin.
Incubation
May take up to 10 days after exposure for early symptoms to develop and several more days for croup symptoms to begin.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
Frequent, careful hand washing by child care staff, children and household members. Cough/sneeze into your sleeve or cover nose and mouth with tissue. Dispose of used tissues. Clean, rinse with clean water, then sanitize mouthed toys at least daily and when soiled.
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Parents/guardians: Inform your child care provider if your child has this illness
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Croup.pdf
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