RAYMOND F. PRZYBELSKI, DIRECTOR
(715) 345-5350 Or Toll Free (866) 920-2525
FAX (715) 345-5966
RUTH GILFRY HUMAN RESOURCES BUILDING
817 WHITING AVENUE
STEVENS POINT, WI 54481-5292
November 20. 2014
Pertussis Awareness
A person who attends the Aber Suzuki Center at UWSP has recently been diagnosed with
pertussis (Whooping Cough). This letter is for your awareness only.
The bacteria that cause pertussis live in the nose, mouth, and throat and are sprayed into the air
when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. Persons are considered at higher risk of
exposure to the illness when they have shared a confined space (within 3 feet) for an hour with
the contagious person. In a school setting it can be difficult to know when a child might be
exposed to pertussis.
If you or a member of your family experience symptoms of pertussis please contact your
physician. You may tell the physician of this possible exposure.
Once symptoms of pertussis develop, testing early in the disease is the best way to get an
accurate diagnosis and reduce the risk of spreading the illness. It is recommended patients stay
home until test results are known or until antibiotic treatment is completed.
Symptoms of pertussis usually begin 7-20 days after exposure and may include:
•
Cold like symptoms and a cough that become worse over 1-2 weeks
•
Coughing fits that can be followed by vomiting, turning blue or difficulty breathing
•
Coughing that makes it difficult to sleep
It is important that ill people do not go to school, work or other public functions until they are no
longer contagious.
Pertussis is rarely fatal but may result in a more serious illness in unimmunized infants, and
young children. Pertussis immunizations are available for children between the ages of 2
months and 6 years of age. A pertussis booster immunization is available for persons over age
10 who have completed the childhood series.
Immunizations are your best protection against pertussis.
If you have questions about pertussis, please contact public health at Portage County Health
and Human Services (715-345-5350) or your private physician.
Melanie Baehr RN, BSN
Portage County Public Health Nursing Supervisor
Where Government Serves the Community