16 February 2012
To all schools, early child care centres and Kohanga reo
Re: Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
THIS IS A REMINDER TO ALL SCHOOLS, PRESCHOOLS AND THEIR STUDENTS, PARENTS AND CARERS
New Zealand is experiencing an increase in pertussis (Whooping Cough) cases, in particular the upper South Island and lower North Island, since late last year. As a result of this we are expecting to see increased cases here in the Waikato over the next few months.
Whooping cough can be severe in infants and young children and can be very dangerous in young babies. It is easily spread, and it is possible that there may be cases of this illness already existing in your school or childcare. Exclusion of cases may be required to prevent ongoing spread.
Symptoms
Whooping cough is not always easy to recognise, and symptoms can vary according to the age of the person affected. Usually in the early stages the signs and symptoms can be similar to a common cold and include a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and a mild cough.
The most common symptom is continuous, rapid coughing often characterised by a high pitched whoop. The whoop is not generally seen in infants or adults. Young babies often do not have the "whoop", but may stop breathing during coughing. The cough may persist for up to three months.
The disease is usually milder in adolescents and adults than younger children, consisting of a persistent cough similar to that found in other upper respiratory infections. However, these individuals are still able to pass the disease to others, including unimmunised or incompletely immunised infants.
Prevention
Suspected cases of whooping cough in schools and early childhood centres should be encouraged to visit their doctor and may require antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to prevent the spread of the disease, but do not stop the coughing unless given at onset.
Exclusion is important for the prevention of the spread of whooping cough. Those children diagnosed with whooping cough should stay away from school and early child care for the first five days of the course of antibiotics, or for three weeks from the start of the symptoms if antibiotics are not used. No exclusion is required if it has been longer than three weeks since the onset of symptoms as they are no longer infectious.
Immunisation is the best protection against whooping cough. We recommend that children's immunisation be kept up to date. Up to 90% of non-immune household contacts of a whooping cough case will acquire the disease.
We highly recommend and encourage regular cleaning in schools at this time. It is also recommended that children practice good cough and sneeze etiquette and hand hygiene.
If you require further support or information please contact your public health nurse or Population Health.
Thank you for your time.
Kind regards,
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH