Local students exposed to whooping cough

Students attending Corning Union High School and Richfield Elementary School may have been exposed to a confirmed case of Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, announced the Tehama County Health Services Agency.

The agency made the announcement after learning a student who attends a local school was diagnosised with the illness.

Pertussis is a bacterial disease that is easily transmitted from person to person by talking, sneezing, or coughing. Sharing or handling items such as cups or tissues that have been used by someone with Pertussis can also transmit it and is especially dangerous for infants who are not fully immunized, said Sydnei Wilby, Tehama County Public Health director.

The disease can cause pneumonia, swelling of the brain and, sometimes, death, she explained.

In response, health services is holding three vaccination clinics, one on Tuesday at Gerber School from 3 to 6 p.m., and two on Wednesday, one at Corning High School from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. and the second at Richfield Elementary School from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

In response to the current whooping cough epidemic occurring in California, Tehama County has been holding vaccination clinis throughout August, and will continue to hold clinics in September to ensure residents have the opportunity to obtain this life saving vaccine.

Health services is encouraging families to attend the clinic that best fits their schedule.

Parents must either be present for student vaccination or send a completed parent permission slip with their child. Permission slips are available by visiting the Tehama County Department of Education web site www.tehamaschools.org, or school offices. Vaccine information sheets and flyer for the upcoming vaccine clinics are also available at these sites.

Wilby said California is experiencing an epidemic of Pertussis with seven times more cases reported this year than last year.

The Pertussis vaccine is safe and effective and protects against this disease and a combined Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis immunizations are available for infants, children and adults.

Wilby cautions anyone with an unexplained cough illness or who has had contact with a person with pertussis is encouraged to contact his or her health care provider. Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the contagious period. Antibiotics should be given to all household and other close contacts to prevent the spread of disease.

The county agency shares the following information:

Early signs of pertussis include cold-like symptoms: runny nose, sneezing, mild or no fever, and cough. The severity of the cough gradually increases and can continue for several weeks or months.

The "whoop" sound often associated with the pertussis cough varies. Adults may experience sweating and/or episodes of a choking sensation. Pertussis can be a very serious illness, especially for young infants. It can lead to breathing problems, pneumonia, and swelling of the brain (encephalopathy), which can result in seizures and brain damage. Pertussis can be fatal, especially when it occurs in infants under four months of age.

During the first one to two weeks of infection, persons with pertussis may only experience a runny nose and non-productive cough, similar to a cold. As the illness progresses young children may have more serious coughing fits, often followed by a whooping sound as they try to catch their breath. After coughing, a person may have difficulty catching their breath, vomit, or become blue in the face from lack of air.

Between coughing fits, the person often feels well.

Coughing spells may continue for several weeks or months. The cough is often worse at night, and cough medicines usually do little to reduce the cough.

Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics and plenty of rest and fluids. Persons hospitalized with severe pertussis may need special treatments to help them through the prolonged periods of coughing.

To prevent pertussis, Tehama County residents should take these steps:

• Ask their health care provider to review immunizations records for the whole family to determine if pertussis vaccination is needed and appropriate.

• Check with their health care provider to determine whether a family member's cough could be caused by pertussis.

• It is recommended that new and expectant parents, as well as other family members and care providers around infants, be vaccinated against pertussis.

• Cover coughs and sneezes.

• Wash hands thoroughly and often.

For more information on pertussis (whooping cough), contact Tehama County Health Services Agency-Public Health Division at (530) 527-6824 or 1-800-655-6854 or visit us at www.tehamacohealthservices.net .