- UHS
- Homepage
UHS: Pertussis Advisory
January 2, 2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We hope this message finds everyone having enjoyed the holiday season and prepared to return to school on Monday, January 6. As is often the case, gatherings over the holiday spread good cheer and also the increased risk of illness. In that spirit, we are writing to inform you that we have confirmed cases of pertussis (whooping cough) within our school community. While we are working closely with local health authorities to monitor the situation, we want to ensure all families are informed and aware of the symptoms and necessary precautions.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be serious, especially for young children. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing the spread of this illness.
In its early stages, pertussis often resembles a common cold, with symptoms including:
• Runny nose and nasal congestion
• Red, watery eyes
• Low grade fever
• Cough
As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop:
• Accumulation of mucus in the throat
• Uncontrollable cough
• A high-pitched intake of breath after cough (the "whoop" sound)
• Vomiting due to severe cough
• Extreme fatigue
Precautionary Measures:
1. If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, please keep them home from school and consult your healthcare provider immediately.
2. Ensure your child's vaccinations are up to date, including the pertussis vaccine (DTaP or Tdap).
3. Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes.
4. If your child is diagnosed with pertussis, please notify the school nurse immediately.
Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics, which can help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent transmission if started early. Students diagnosed with pertussis must remain home until they have completed five days of antibiotic treatment.
The school is taking additional precautions, including enhanced cleaning procedures and monitoring of students for symptoms. We will continue to update you as necessary. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Schiller, our school nurse. We have also attached a document to this email with some helpful information about pertussis.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping maintain a healthy school environment.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Rubin
Principal, Uxbridge High School