[BHS Etree] MISC: Important BHS Health Alert

[BHS etree]

PLEASE do not reply to this email, contact Public Health Nurse, Elisa 
Gallegos at 510-981-5386.
The City of Berkeley Public Health Division would like Berkeley High 
families to be aware that there has been a case of pertussis (whooping 
cough) at Berkeley High. While there is no need for alarm, this serves 
as a reminder to ensure your child is fully vaccinated and to be aware 
that pertussis is circulating in the community.
Pertussis can spread through the air when people cough. It often starts 
like a common cold that gets worse and worse over 1-2 weeks.  People 
with pertussis have coughing spells that may last several minutes. As 
they catch their breath at the end of each coughing spell, they may gasp 
loudly ("whoop") and vomit or choke.
Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics.  Treatment shortens the 
course of the illness and decreases the spread of disease to others.
The Berkeley Public Health Division recommends:

  * _If your BHS student develops an acute or prolonged cough illness
    he/she should see a healthcare provider_*.*
  * Keep infants aged < 1 year, particularly those aged < 6 months, away
    from persons with a cough illness.
  * If anyone in your household has been coughing one week or more
    (ongoing and persistent) and the cough is getting worse, contact
    your healthcare provider.

  * Please make sure your children are up-to-date with their pertussis
    shots (Tdap or DTaP), and make sure all adults in your household are
    up-to-date with their booster pertussis shots (Tdap).

*If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your 
healthcare provider or call Public Health Nurse, Elisa Gallegos PHN at 
510-981-5386. *

__________________________________
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