Health Notice - Whooping Cough

Macquarie University has received notification of a confirmed diagnosis of Whooping Cough on campus. Recently NSW Health reported that there has been a large increase in the numbers of cases of Whooping Cough diagnosed in NSW in 2009.

In order to reduce the spread of the disease, the following information notice has been prepared. All staff and students are requested to read this information.

What is Whooping Cough (Pertussis)?

Whooping Cough is a serious, respiratory infection and is highly contagious. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella Pertussis.

How is it spread?

It is spread by droplets from coughing or sneezing and can be spread for up to three weeks after the onset of the cough.

It is important the people follow infection controls to reduce the risk of spreading Whooping Cough and other diseases. These controls include –

· Do not spit – use a tissue.

· Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze – use a tissue.

· Dispose of tissues in the bin.

· Wash your hands after you cough or sneeze. Use hand disinfectant gels.

Adopting these simple controls can and will reduce the incidence of spreading diseases.

Who is at risk?

Anyone who has been in contact with someone who has the infection and you are not immunised. However, babies, young children and the elderly are at increased risk.

It is recommended that the people in the following groups see a medical practitioner and get tested and/or vaccinated immediately:

a)  Have children under the age of one year old;

b) Live with elderly and infirm/immune suppressed people;

c) Work with children or the elderly;

d) Are immune suppressed;

c) Have started to experience flu like symptoms over the past 7 days

What if I am pregnant?

If you are pregnant and think you may have been exposed please contact your obstetrician to discuss your concerns.

Symptoms?

The disease begins just like a cold, and it is possible to experience symptoms such as

· a runny nose,

· tiredness / fatigue

· mild fever;

· poor appetite.

Following this, coughing develops, usually in bouts, followed by a characteristic gasp or “Whoop” sound. Please note that adults can sometimes experience the cough without the “Whoop” sound.

What do I do if I think I might have been exposed?

If you believe you may have been exposed to Whooping Cough, you should see your Medical / Health Care practitioner with regards to testing and treatment.

Testing involves the taking of a swab from the back of the throat or nose (or blood tests). It takes around 48 hours for the results.

What do I do if I am diagnosed?

You need to do the following –

· Advise those people with whom you have been in close contact with.

· Advise your manager and stay away from work.

· Seek and take treatment.

· Use infection control strategies like above.

What if I was immunised?

Depending on your age, you may have been immunised for Whooping Cough. The current vaccination protocol is to be vaccinated at 2, 4, 6 months of age and to then have booster shots at 4 and 15 years. Check your vaccination records too if you are unsure of your immunisation.

If you had only the one immunisation shot, you are best to discuss getting a booster shot with your doctor.

Alternatively, please discuss other options with your health care practitioner.

Treatment?

Your Medical Practitioner will issue you with a prescription for a special antibiotic to treat whooping cough.

Further Information:

For more information, please contact your Doctor / Health Care provider, local public health or community health unit – look under the NSW Government Pages in the white pages directory for numbers.

Whooping Cough Fact Sheet – NSW Health: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/infectious/diseases/pertussis.asp

This message was sent by Michael Carley, Manager, Staff Health (Human Resources), and approved by Tim Sprague, Director of Human Resources.

Contact: Ann Alberts

Phone: Ext 9769

Publish Date: 24 Apr 2009