November 19, 2015
Dear Parents and Guardians:
This letter is to inform you that two more students at our school
have been diagnosed with whooping cough (also called pertussis). Pertussis is a
contagious illness that is spread through coughing and sneezing. It begins with
mild cold-like symptoms which appear 7-21 days after a person is exposed.
Please see the attached fact sheet from Oakland County Health Division (OCHD)
for specific information on what symptoms to watch for, which persons are most
at risk of serious disease, and preventive measures. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
page on pertussis can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73971_4911_4914-240419--,00.html. Also,
see attached form.
In accordance with the CDC’s recommendations students who are
immunocompromised or have moderate to severe medically treated asthma, or who
live with or have close contact with an infant under 12 months old, a pregnant
woman or anyone with a weakened immune system should contact their
physician. These students should begin preventive antibiotics regardless
of symptoms or vaccination status. Please discuss this recommendation with your physician.
Please watch your child for any symptoms of pertussis over the
next several weeks. If you notice any of these symptoms, your child
should be kept at home and contact your physician immediately, as early
treatment with antibiotics may reduce the severity of disease and will reduce
the spread. Quick identification of suspected cases can reduce any further
exposure within our school and encourages timely medical evaluation and
treatment. Vaccines that protect against pertussis are available and one of the
best ways to prevent infection. Please review your child’s vaccination history
to ensure they are current.
Sincerely,
Embekka
Thompson
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