Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Report to health unit immediately. (tel: 705-267-1181 or fax: 705-360-7324)

Incubation period:

Usually 9-10 days, can range from 6-20 days.

Signs and symptoms:

Initial signs are coughing and sneezing followed 1-2 weeks later by breathing characterized by a series of short convulsive-like coughs and high-pitched gasps of air called a whoop. Coughs are sometimes followed by vomiting. Symptoms can last 6-12 weeks.

How it is spread:

Bacteria in respiratory secretions. Spread from person to person through the air. Very infectious. 

Contagious period:

Very infectious in the early stages. Little risk 3 weeks after onset of cough even if it persists. If treated with effective treatment, no longer contagious after 5 days of therapy.

Note: Pertussis is among the most contagious of diseases.

Exclusion guidelines:

Exclude until 5 days after treatment with erythromycin has started and child is feeling well, otherwise 3 weeks from date of onset. 

What can be done:

Clean and disinfect soiled articles and surfaces.

Thorough and frequent hand washing by staff and children.

Health Unit staff will determine which students are at risk for pertussis and exclude them from school until the infectious period is over.

Contacts may require a booster vaccine and/or antibiotics.