Date: 1-12-16
Dear Parents/Guardians: A case of Pertussis (whooping cough) has been reported at Anna McDonald School in the fifth grade level. Pertussis is caused by a bacteria and begins with mild upper respiratory symptoms that may include a runny nose, sneezing and a mild cough. The infection can progress to severe spastic type coughing, often characterized by an inspiratory “whoop” which may be followed by vomiting. The incubation period (period from when a child has been exposed until the onset of symptoms) can range from 7 to 21 days. The communicable period (the time period the person that has the disease can transmit it) begins when the respiratory symptoms start until three weeks after the onset of the coughing spasms if the person is not treated with antibiotics. When treated with the appropriate antibiotics, the communicable period is reduced to five days after the onset of treatment. Reported cases must be excluded from school until at least 5 days after the start of antibiotics. Articles soiled by or in contact with nose and throat discharges of the infected person must be disinfected. The classroom that the child is in at Anna McDonald and the bus that the child rides on to and from school have been thoroughly disinfected. Please be aware that because your child may have been exposed to this disease does not necessarily mean your child will develop the symptoms. If your child has been adequately immunized, his/her chances of contracting this disease are greatly reduced. If your child develops any of the above symptoms, please inform your doctor and the school as soon as possible. If you have any questions please feel free to call the school nurse at Wilson Creek (478-4527), Anna McDonald (478-3310), or Manhattan Jr. High (478-6090). Manhattan School District Nurses. Rusty Ragon Russell A. Ragon, Supt. Manhattan SD #114 Ph: 815-478-0191 Fax: 815-478-7660 Cell:815-351-6941 email: rragon@manhattan114.org
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