Symptoms

Initially symptoms like those of common cold. After 1-2 weeks, persistent cough in explosive bursts, sometimes ending with a high pitched whoop and vomiting.

Incubation Period

7-10 days

Mode of Transmission & Communicability

The bacteria is spread by droplets expelled from sneezing or coughing of infected persons. Communicable until 3 weeks after a cough begins without antibiotic treatment and for 5 days with antibiotic treatment.

School Action

1. Exclude from school until on antibiotics for 5 days.

2. Report the case to the health department (required by law).

3. Ensure all children have completed their primary series of pertussis immunization. (DPT)