Download Pertussis Parent Letter

Pertussis – Whooping Cough
(SCHOOL HEADING)
(SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBER)
Dear Parent or Guardian:
This is to inform you that your child may have been exposed to Pertussis (whooping cough).
The signs and symptoms, mode of transmission and incubation period are as follows:
Signs and Symptoms: Pertussis is a bacterial disease involving the respiratory tract. The disease
usually starts with cold-like symptoms and can include a mild cough or fever. After 1 to 2 weeks,
severe coughing can begin. Unlike the common cold, pertussis can become a series of coughing
fits, sometimes followed by vomiting, or whooping that continues for weeks.
Mode of Transmission: Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious
respiratory disease. Pertussis is spread when infected individuals cough or sneeze while in close
contact with others.
Incubation Period: People usually develop pertussis within 7–10 days after being exposed, but
sometimes not for as long as 6 weeks.
Should your child present any of these symptoms, we recommend that you consult your family
healthcare provider immediately.
Sincerely,
Principal
14