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Pertussis (whooping cough can be a serious illness, especially in young children. Vaccination is the best way to protect against whooping cough.
Symptoms
The first symptoms of pertussis are like those of a common cold: runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and a mild cough. After a week or two, a persistent cough develops which occurs in explosive bursts, sometimes ending with a high-pitched “whoop” and vomiting. Between bursts of coughing, the child appears well. Coughing attacks continue to occur for one to six weeks, but can last for up to 10 weeks. Babies may not cough at all but may struggle to breathe. Symptoms are milder in those who are vaccinated.
Symptoms
The first symptoms of pertussis are like those of a common cold: runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and a mild cough. After a week or two, a persistent cough develops which occurs in explosive bursts, sometimes ending with a high-pitched “whoop” and vomiting. Between bursts of coughing, the child appears well. Coughing attacks continue to occur for one to six weeks, but can last for up to 10 weeks. Babies may not cough at all but may struggle to breathe. Symptoms are milder in those who are vaccinated.
Spread
By coming in contact with droplets that are expelled during sneezing and coughing of an infected person. These droplets can land on or be rubbed into the eyes, nose, or mouth. Some people may experience mild symptoms which can still spread the bacteria.
Spread
By coming in contact with droplets that are expelled during sneezing and coughing of an infected person. These droplets can land on or be rubbed into the eyes, nose, or mouth. Some people may experience mild symptoms which can still spread the bacteria.
Contagious Period
Begins at the time of early cold-like symptoms, before a persistent cough and explosive bursts of coughing develop. Persons who are not treated with antibiotics remain contagious until at least two weeks after the coughing started. Individuals treated with antibiotics are contagious until five days after treatment begins.
Contagious Period
Begins at the time of early cold-like symptoms, before a persistent cough and explosive bursts of coughing develop. Persons who are not treated with antibiotics remain contagious until at least two weeks after the coughing started. Individuals treated with antibiotics are contagious until five days after treatment begins.
Exclusion
Children must stay home the entire time of experiencing pertussis symptoms. Children are able to return after 5 days of antibiotic treatment. If a child does not complete or partake in treatment they must stay at home for 20 days. Children suspected of pertussis must stay at home and should be seen by a healthcare provider.
Exclusion
Children must stay home the entire time of experiencing pertussis symptoms. Children are able to return after 5 days of antibiotic treatment. If a child does not complete or partake in treatment they must stay at home for 20 days. Children suspected of pertussis must stay at home and should be seen by a healthcare provider.
Causes
Causes
Bordetella pertussis, a bacterium
Incubation
It usually takes five to 10 days from the time a person is exposed until symptoms develop, but could be as long as three weeks.
Incubation
It usually takes five to 10 days from the time a person is exposed until symptoms develop, but could be as long as three weeks.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
Refer to the Kentucky immunization regulations for childhood vaccination schedule.
If your child is not protected against pertussis, please contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to have your child immunized.
Inadequately immunized children may be excluded from any child care setting in which a case of pertussis occurs. Please notify your child care provider if your child has been immunized so his/her records can be updated.
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Provider : This disease is reportable to the local or state health department.
Parents/guardians : Inform your child care provider if your child has this illness
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Pertussis.pdf
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