Pertussis Fact Sheet
What you should know…
What is pertussis?
More commonly known as whooping cough, pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease.
How is pertussis spread?
It is spread through direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat of infected individuals.
What are the symptoms?
Sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough; within two weeks, the cough becomes more severe and may be characterized by rapid coughs followed by a high pitched whoop.
How soon do symptoms appear?
Usually 7 to 10 days, with a range of 4 to 21 days after exposure to another ill person.
How long is someone contagious?
From the onset of mild symptoms to three weeks after the onset of coughing episodes or five days after the start of antibiotics.
Is there a vaccine?
Yes; while being fully up-to-date on DTaP vaccines may not prevent pertussis, it can help prevent serious complications.
Can a child being treated for pertussis attend school?
No. All confirmed and suspect cases are to remain isolated at home until they have completed five days of antibiotic treatment.
If a child is symptomatic can they attend school?
No. The child should remain isolate until they have been evaluated by their physician to refrain from potentially spreading pertussis.
If a child is taking preventative antibiotic treatment, can they attend school?
Yes, as long as they are not symptomatic.
The same rules regarding isolation apply to staff members. If they are symptomatic, they should remain at home to prevent spreading; if they are a confirmed or suspect case, they must be isolated for five days of antibiotic treatment.
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All confirmed or suspect cases of pertussis or an unusual increase in cough-related illness should be reported to the Stark County Health Department and the school nurse.
If you have questions, please contact Cheryl Long, RN (330-493-9914, ext. 246) or Karen Schanz, MPH (330-493-9914 ext. 287) at the Stark County Health Department.