Lane Community College sends an email to all students and staff warning about Whooping Cough

Lane Community College sent out and email to all students and staff amid the ongoing outbreak of Pertussis in the Pacific Northwest. Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory system that causes severe, uncontrollable coughing fits that is commonly refered to as "Whooping Cough."

"Dear LCC Students and Employees,

It is Lane Community College’s practice to inform our campus community when potential health concerns arise. Our partners at Lane County Public Health have notified us that Pertussis has been circulating in Lane County and it is important that you are familiar with the symptoms and remain vigilant in seeking medical evaluation should you or a member of your family (especially those with children under the age of 1-year-old, elderly individuals, or those with chronic respiratory illness) display symptoms.

Lane County Public Health recommends the following:

   If you or a family member has symptoms of pertussis (described below), please stay home and consult with your health provider.
   Ensure you are up to date on your immunizations. Get an immunization booster shot if it has been more than 10 years since your last booster. The immunization for adults thatprotects against pertussis is Tdap. It is available at the LCC Health Clinic, most pharmacies, and most primary care providers.
   If you are pregnant and believe you may have had contact with an individual who has pertussis, call your health care provider to discuss your options during pregnancy.

What is Pertussis?

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a contagious disease of the respiratory tract, caused by bacteria found in the mouth, nose, and throat of an infected person. Pertussis is spread through direct contact with nose and throat mucus and airborne droplets.

Pertussis can occur at any age, but infants and young children are at the highest risk of life-threatening consequences.

Immunization is the most effective way to prevent the spread of this illness. Handwashing and good respiratory etiquette are also helpful in preventing the spread of this infection.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of pertussis include cold-like symptoms followed in one to two weeks by coughing fits that can keep coming for weeks to months.  During coughing attacks, individuals may gag, gasp or strain to inhale, and/or make the high-pitched whooping/barking sound. This may be followed by vomiting or exhaustion. Fever is usually absent or minimal.

Treatment and Prevention:

Pertussis is treated with antibiotics, usually for 5 days. Women in the third trimester of pregnancy, children 1 year or younger, and other high-risk individuals should also be on close watch for early pertussis symptoms including any cold like symptoms. Medication may be necessary to prevent infection or to decrease the risk of spreading the infection to newborns. Please reach out to your healthcare provider and let them know if you have been exposed to pertussis to see if medication is recommended.

Immunization is the most effective way to prevent pertussis. Handwashing and good respiratory etiquette are also helpful in preventing the spread of this infection.

Resources:

Information in Spanish

Information in English

http://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/pertussis.aspx

If you have further questions, please call your medical provider, the Lane Community College Health Clinic, or Lane County Public Health. "