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A Health Update from MACS...

Health Department Alert – Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

The Victorian Health Department recently issued a public notice in relation to an increasing number of cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in Victoria, particularly among children aged 10-12. 

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness known for causing a cough, and can lead to life threatening infections in babies. Many babies who get pertussis catch it from older children and adults who might not even know they are infected. 

Pertussis usually begins with cold-like symptoms, such as a dry cough (occurring in bouts), characteristic 'whooping' sound when breathing in, tiredness, runny nose, and low-grade fever. 

Please speak to your doctor (GP) and seek a diagnosis if your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms. Early identification and separation are crucial in preventing the spread to other children.

 Pertussis is mostly spread to other people by droplets from coughing or sneezing, so good hygiene practices and immunisations help prevent the spread. Immunisations are particularly important for infants and pregnant women. 

If pertussis is diagnosed, your GP will advise on appropriate treatments.  If you have any questions, please speak to your GP. 

Read the full alert here: Increasing pertussis (whooping cough) cases in Victoria | health.vic.gov.au 

Appendix 2: Legislated Exclusion Periods 

For diagnosed cases: 

•The treating doctor can provide specific advice in relation to exclusion periods from school, and can verify when exclusion periods can be ended. 

• Children diagnosed with pertussis to be exclude from primary schools and children’s services for a minimum period of 21 days after the onset of cough, or until they have completed 5 days of a course of antibiotic treatment. 

• The treating doctor will complete the required notifications to the Department of Health 

• Schools should notify MACS via the report form on CEVN or at ohs@macs.vic.edu.au 

For contacts of diagnosed cases: 

• The exclusion requirement only applies to contacts who meet all three of these criteria: 

        o aged less than 7 years; 

        o in the same room as the child with the diagnosed case; and 

        o have not received three effective doses of pertussis vaccine 

• Children meeting these criteria should be excluded for 14 days after the last exposure to the infectious case, or until they have taken 5 days of a course of effective antibiotic treatment. 

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