Case of Pertussis reported at MHS
November 24, 2014
On Thursday, November 20, an email was sent out to parents of MHS students warning of a confirmed case of Pertussis, more commonly known as Whooping Cough. Three steps were laid out in the email:
“1. Keep individuals with a cough illness away from infants.
2. Consider the new Tdap (Pertussis) vaccine for anyone who has not yet received it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently recommended the tetanus-diptheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster for children age 11 years or older. In Missouri, this vaccine is required for school attendance beginning in 8th grade. Adults are also encouraged to receive a dose of Tdap to protect against pertussis. Please consult with your child’s physician to ensure that their pertussis immunizations are current or to obtain a Tdap vaccine.
3. Seek medical help.
If your child comes down with cold symptoms that include a cough, talk to their doctor without delay. Explain that there has been a confirmed case of pertussis in your child’s school. The following steps will help lower the chances of spreading the disease to others:
● Get tested for pertussis (nasopharyngeal specimen) by your doctor
● Start and complete antibiotic treatment for pertussis
● Stay home until you have finished the first 5 days of antibiotics”
