[BHS Etree] HEALTH NOTICE: Pertussis Cases at BHS

[BHS etree]

PLEASE do not reply to this email. Contact Elisa Gallegos at 
510-982-5386 or Barbara Gregory at 510-981-5377.

April 17, 2014

The City of Berkeley Public Health Division would like the Berkeley High 
School community to be aware that there are current diagnosed cases of 
pertussis (whooping cough) in BHS students. While there is no need for 
alarm, this serves as a reminder to ensure that everyone is fully 
vaccinated and aware that pertussis is circulating widely in the 
Berkeley community.

Pertussis spreads through the air when people cough. It often starts 
like a common cold that gets worse over 1-2 weeks.  Many people with 
pertussis have coughing spells that may last several minutes, and 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 all 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 Nurses, Elisa Gallegos PHN at 
(510)-981-5386 or Barbara Gregory PHN at(510) 981-5377.

Sincerely,


Janet Berreman MD

Health Officer

__________________________________

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