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Important Information for Parents about Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Seasonal Flu Update

Posted in News on August 31st, 2010 with Comments Off

The Columbus Public Health & Franklin County Board of Health has informed us about a recent increase in the cases of Pertussis locally. Please take a moment to view this Educational Flyer (PDF) to learn more about Pertussis and how to prevent infection. Focus Academy takes this threat seriously and we will take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection at our schools. Also, please remember that Flu Season is just around the corner and the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this year recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1 and two other influenza viruses.

The flu vaccine is expected to be readily available throughout the community. Check with your doctor, pharmacy or stop in your local grocery or drug store to be vaccinated. Please watch for more information from your local public health department.

Keep reading to learn more about Pertussis and what the Columbus Public Health & Franklin County Board of Health has recommended to help prevent the spread of this infection at Focus Learning Academy.

Pertussis Information for Schools — August 31, 2010

Columbus has seen a rise in pertussis cases (whooping cough) over the last several months, which is unusual for summer. As of August 9th, 336 cases were reported so far this year in Franklin County (including Columbus) with 203 of those confirmed, compared to a yearly total of 350 reported cases, 198 of those confirmed in 2009.

With school back in session, please take steps to protect the children in your schools by monitoring illness, reporting cases of pertussis and promoting vaccinations.

About Pertussis

Pertussis is a bacterial respiratory disease that spreads easily and often begins with cold-like symptoms. The disease often proceeds to a severe, constant cough that ends with a “whoop” sound, primarily in younger children. Older children, teens and adults may not have the “whoop”. The cough is sometimes followed by vomiting. Usually there is little or no fever. The disease is spread by close contact with respiratory secretions. Young infants may require hospitalization.

The best way to prevent pertussis is through vaccinations. The childhood vaccine is called DTaP. The pertussis booster vaccine for adolescents and adults is called Tdap. Both protect against pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria.

Action Steps for Schools

• Educate parents about pertussis and the recommendation that anyone 11 years of age and older get the pertussis booster Tdap. Parent Educational Flyer
• Watch for signs of illness at your school and enforce illness policies.
• Report pertussis cases as soon as possible. Staff responsible for reporting illness for your district (within Franklin County) should call the Columbus & Franklin County Communicable Disease Reporting System at (614) 719-8888.
• As an adult working in the schools, get your Tdap vaccination if you have not done so. Contact your healthcare provider, local retail pharmacy clinic, or local health department for vaccine availability. Also promote the vaccination among your staff.
• Continue to promote good infection control: wash your hands, cover your cough, and stay home when sick.

Seasonal Flu 2010-2011 Update

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this year recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1 and two other influenza viruses.

The flu vaccine is expected to be readily available throughout the community. Check with your doctor, pharmacy or stop in your local grocery or drug store to be vaccinated. Please watch for more information from your local public health department.

Teresa C. Long, MD, MPH
Health Commissioner
City of Columbus
www.publichealth.columbus.gov

Susan Tilgner, MS, LD, RD, RS
Health Commissioner
Franklin County Board of Health
www.franklincountyohio.gov/health