Pertussis Facts

What is pertussis? (Whooping Cough)
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is a contagious bacterial illness that affects the respiratory tract. It is spread by exposure to respiratory droplets from an infected person through coughing.

What are the symptoms of pertussis?
Early symptoms can appear similar to the flu such as: Runny nose or sneezing, occasional or mild cough, low grade fever
Later symptom include: Persistent cough, coughing fits which make it difficult to breathe or cause vomiting

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear between 7-10 days after exposure, with a range of 5-21 days. 

What should I do?
Please monitor for the symptoms listed above. If a person is showing symptoms, especially a new cough, contact your healthcare provider. Please let them know about concern for possible exposure to pertussis prior to your visit. Please do not go to a clinic without calling the clinic first. This is in order to not expose other people or staff at the clinic or urgent care to pertussis. Follow your clinic or provider directions prior to your visit.

If symptoms suggestive of pertussis develop, please stay at home with no attendance at work, school, or social activities until pertussis has been ruled out for the symptomatic person or they have completed 5 days of antibiotic treatment. A cough can still persist after antibiotic treatment is completed but the person is no longer considered contagious.

If my child has had the pertussis vaccine can they still get pertussis?
Yes. No vaccine is 100% effective in preventing disease. Even if your child is up to date with their vaccine, there is still a possibility of developing pertussis if exposed to a case.

Information on Nursing Services

Nursing services support students by managing health-related barriers to learning. District nurses coordinate the services through training, delegation and supervision of staff, and act as liaisons between school, home, health care providers and/or community resources.

School nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing that facilitates positive student responses to normal development, promotes health and safety, intervenes with actual and potential health problems, provides case management services and actively collaborates with others to build student and family capacity for adaptation, self-management, self-advocacy, and learning.

Direct care of a MINOR illness or injury to a student while at school is provided by a health professional who is trained to handle these situations. In cases of SERIOUS illness or injury, district staff will provide basic care and use emergency medical services by calling 9-1-1 and parent(s)/guardian(s).

E-Cigarettes Info

* Review this helpful information about e-cigarettes compiled by the WBSD Health Services Department. 

Contacts

Immunizations

Access the Wisconsin Immunization Program