Another case of whooping cough has been confirmed in Riverhead Central School District.
Schools Superintendent Nancy Carney sent a letter home to parents today informing them that the district was notified of a confirmed case of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in the Riley Avenue Elementary School.
This is the second case of the contagious bacterial infection during the current school year. A case was confirmed at the high school in early December.
Carney said the school's custodial staff is "taking extra cleaning precautions."
"Whooping cough is considered a highly contagious bacterial infection and it is treated with antibiotics," Carney wrote. "If your child has or develops a severe uncontrolled cough, you should contact your doctor immediately."
Pertussis begins with a dry cough or cold-like symptoms that progress to a severe, uncontrollable, violent cough lasting several weeks or months. It is spread from person to person through droplets, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pertussis is treated and cured with antibiotics. But it remains dangerous, even fatal, to infants who have not been fully immunized, according to the CDC.
The disease was a leading cause of mortality among infants and children in the pre-vaccine era — before the late 1940s.
After widespread vaccination against the disease began, the incidence of the disease declined to a historic low of 1,010 cases in 1976. But since the late 1980s, its incidence has been on the rise nationwide. Last year there were 27,550 cases of pertussis in the U.S., up from 16,858 pertussis cases 2009.
Suffolk County had more than 220 confirmed cases of pertussis reported in 2011, according to Suffolk County Department of Health Services spokeswoman Carol Downing.
The number of confirmed pertussis cases in the county has increased exponentially in recent years. In 2010 there were only 54 cases reported, she said. In 2009, the number stood at 75.
The trend led county health commissioner James Tomarken to issue a pertussis advisory in October. As of that date, there had been 179 confirmed pertussis cases reported in the county.
There's been a nationwide increase in the incidence of pertussis since the 1980s, Tomarken said in October.
Multiple factors have likely contributed to the increase, including waning immunity from childhood pertussis vaccines, increased recognition of the disease, better diagnostic testing and increased reporting, the CDC says.
"The most effective control measure is maintaining the highest possible level of immunization in the community," ù according to Kathy Thompson MD, Suffolk County's director of communicable diseases.
Parents are urged to ensure that their children's immunizations are up to date.
From the Centers for Disease Control:
Q: What should I do if I live in an outbreak area?
A: You can make sure you and your loved ones are up to date with recommended whooping cough vaccines. There are two types of whooping cough vaccines: DTaP for infants and children and Tdap for adolescents and adults. Getting vaccinated with Tdap is especially important for family members with and caregivers of new infants. Also, if caring for an infant, keep him or her away from anyone with cough or cold symptoms.
Vaccination recommendations:
Infants and children should receive 5 doses of the DTaP vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months, at 15 through 18 months, and at 4 through 6 years. All 5 doses are needed for maximum protection. Children 7-10 years of age who are not fully vaccinated with DTaP should receive a dose of Tdap instead of waiting for the 11-12 year old check up.
Adolescents should receive the Tdap vaccine at their regular check-up at age 11 or 12. If teenagers (13 through 18 years) missed getting the Tdap vaccine, parents should ask the doctor about getting it for them now.
Adults who are 19 through 64 years old should get a 1-time dose of Tdap in place of the Td booster they're recommended to receive every 10 years. No need to wait until you are due for your Td booster — the dose of Tdap can be given earlier than the 10-year mark since the last Td booster. It's a good idea for adults to talk to a healthcare provider about what's best for their specific situation.
Pregnant women should ideally receive Tdap before pregnancy. Otherwise, it is recommended that Tdap be given after delivery, before leaving the hospital or birthing center. If a pregnant woman is at increased risk for getting whooping cough, such as during a community outbreak, her doctor may consider giving Tdap during pregnancy. Although pregnancy is not a contraindication for receiving Tdap, a pregnant woman and her doctor should discuss the risks and benefits before choosing to receive Tdap during pregnancy.
Adults 65 years and older who have not previously received a dose of Tdap and have close contact with infants should receive one dose of Tdap. Other adults in this age group who have not previously received a dose of Tdap and will not have close contact with infants may receive a dose of Tdap. Receiving Tdap may be especially important during a community outbreak and/or if caring for an infant.