We have been experiencing an increase in respiratory illnesses in our school district. This is consistent with trends throughout the state and the country.
Both Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Mycoplasma Pneumonia (Walking Pneumonia) have been on the rise so please be vigilant in monitoring for symptoms. Infection is spread by inhaling respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Pertussis
- Symptoms: sneezing, runny nose, mild dry cough, and low-grade fever
- After about 1 to 2 weeks, more serious “coughing spells” develop that can last for more than a minute and result in difficulty breathing.
- At the end of a coughing spell, the cough may make a high-pitched “whooping” sound as they try to catch their breath.
- Sometimes the coughing will cause vomiting. Between spells, usually feel well.
- Who is at Risk
- Pertussis can spread easily among susceptible household members and in group settings such as schools, workplaces, and sports teams.
- Adolescents and adults are also at risk for infection since vaccine protection decreases over time.
- The time between exposure to the bacteria and disease symptoms is usually between 7 - 10 days, but in rare cases, it can take up to 3 weeks.
- Treatment
- Pertussis can be treated or even prevented with antibiotics if detected early or before the disease has started.
- If you develop any of the symptoms described above, stay home from school and contact your doctor immediately. Please also inform the school office of any illness.
Walking Pneumonia:
- Symptoms: can include cough, fever, sore throat, headache, and sometimes wheezing
- Often people don’t feel sick enough to stay home or in bed, thus the term “walking pneumonia”
- Who is at Risk
- Infection can occur at any age, but most often among children ages 5-17 years and young adults
- Treatment
- Some people get better on their own with a mild mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, but some with more severe infection will need an antibiotic
For general respiratory illness, it is recommended you stay home if you have a fever and you can return 24 hours after fever free and symptoms are improving. However, if you are diagnosed with Pertussis you must stay home from school until your 5 day antibiotic treatment is complete.
Strategies that prevent respiratory viruses, such as handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, prevent these bacteria from spreading.
Mrs. O’Mara & Mrs. Fredrick
GBCS District Nurse Consultants
