Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

February 1, 2011 - Please see the joint letter from the California Department of Education and the California Department of Public Health regarding the Pertussis Immunization Requirement for Students in Grades Seven Through Twelve

The (CDPH) California Department of Public Health has declared an epidemic of Pertussis (whooping cough) in the State of California. With the high number of reported confirmed cases and several hundred more under investigation. The CDPH health experts advocate that this outbreak could be the largest in the state in the past 50 years.
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Pages/PH10-048.aspx

Vaccinations have reduced and in some cases eliminated serious diseases in the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend vaccinations for children, preteens and teens to help protect them from serious diseases that can cause harm.

Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is preventable through vaccination. Children should be vaccinated against the disease. Parents, family members and caregivers of infants are highly encouraged to have a booster shot.

Riverside County Family Care Clinics
http://www.rivco-familycarecenters.org/

For more information, please visit the Riverside County Department of Public Health, Disease Control Web site for updates.

The disease starts like the common cold, with runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and maybe mild cough or fever. But after 1-2 weeks, severe coughing begins. Infants and children with the disease cough violently and rapidly, over and over, until the air is gone from their lungs and they're forced to inhale with a loud "whooping" sound. Hear a Cough

Posters/Flyers/Handouts

1. Whooping Cough Flyer - Be Aware. Treat It Early. English | En español
2. What Schools Need to Know: Frequently Asked Questions. English Only
3. What Parents Need to Know: Frequently Asked Questions. English | En español
4. 7th through 12th Grade Immunization Requirement Flyer - November 2010.  English | En español

Michael D’Amico
(951) 826-6250
mdamico@rcoe.us