Are you and your kids’ vaccinations up to date?
CHEK News reported Tuesday that Island Health is alerting parents to a case of pertussis (i.e. whooping cough) at Central Middle School in Victoria.
Pertussis can cause serious illness in babies, children, teens, and adults. It is especially dangerous for infants.
According to the Centre for Disease Control, early symptoms can last for 1 to 2 weeks and usually include:
- Runny nose
- Low-grade fever (generally minimal throughout the course of the disease)
- Mild, occasional cough
- Apnea – a pause in breathing (in babies)
However, as the disease progresses, symptoms can later develop into:
- Paroxysms (fits) of many, rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound
- Vomiting (throwing up) during or after coughing fits
- Exhaustion (very tired) after coughing fits
According to Island Health, any parents or children who have a persistent cough or are coughing to the point of gagging or vomiting should contact their family doctor.
Children can usually return to school after at least five days of antibiotic treatment.
Parents who report their child’s absence from school should indicate whether it is for medical reasons and are also asked to share the child’s symptoms.
Island Health said parents should also make sure they are up to date for the pertussis immunization.
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