Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis.  The bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system, and release toxins (poisons) that damage the cilia and cause airways to swell.  A person with pertussis develops a severe cough that usually lasts four to six weeks or longer.  Pertussis can be very serious, especially in infants.

The first symptoms of pertussis are similar to a cold: sneezing, a runny nose, possibly a low-grade fever, and a cough.  After one or two weeks, the cough becomes severe, such as:

• The cough occurs in sudden, uncontrollable bursts where one cough follows the next without a break for breath.
• A high-pitched whooping sound occurs when breathing in after a coughing episode. Whooping is less common in infants, adults, and people who have received pertussis vaccine.
• Vomiting during or after a coughing spell.
• The person’s face or lips may look blue from lack of oxygen.
• The cough is often worse at night.
• Between coughing spells, the person seems well, but the illness is exhausting over time.
• Coughing episodes gradually become less frequent, but may continue for several weeks or months until the lungs heal.

The bacteria are found in fluids from the mouth and nose of someone with pertussis, and are spread when fluid containing the bacteria gets into your nose, mouth, or eye.  This can happen when a person with pertussis coughs or sneezes on you, or by touching the fluid and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

In general, a person is at greater risk of getting pertussis if they are within three feet of someone with pertussis for at least 10 hours a week.  This is considered close contact.

The period between exposure to the bacteria and onset of illness is usually 7 to 10 days but may be as long as 21 days.

Pertussis is most infectious (most likely to spread to others) early in the illness.

People who have pertussis can spread the disease during the first three weeks they are coughing.  Note: The cough will generally last longer than three weeks until the lungs are healed.

People who have pertussis but have completed five days of antibiotics can no longer spread the disease.

For infected individuals:

• People who have pertussis but have completed the five-day treatment of antibiotics can no longer spread the disease.
• The five-day treatment of antibiotics will lessen the symptoms if given during the early stages of illness (when antibiotics are started later in the illness, the damage from pertussis is already done and the cough will last until the lungs heal).  Pertussis bacteria die off naturally after three weeks of coughing.  If antibiotics are not started within that time, they are no longer recommended.

For individuals who are close contacts:

• The five-day treatment of antibiotics will prevent infection or lessen the symptoms.
• After the five-day treatment of antibiotics a person can not infect others.

The best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated.  People who have completed some or all of the recommended vaccinations for pertussis may still get pertussis disease but will generally have a milder illness.

There are two pertussis vaccines: DTaP and Tdap.  Both vaccines are given in combination with tetanus and diphtheria.  Your age determines which vaccine you should receive and how many doses you need.  Talk to your health care provider to find out more.

Pregnant women should get Tdap during the third trimester of each pregnancy.  If Tdap wasn’t given during pregnancy, the new mother should get Tdap right after delivery.

Timing of Tdap: If you haven’t received Tdap yet, you should get it even if you recently received Td vaccine.  Ask your health care provider for Tdap at your next visit.

Additional information can be found on the MDH and CDC websites.

Seek medical attention immediately for trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face, or any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.  If you ever have a medical or mental health emergency while in isolation, please call 911.

Faculty/Staff:

• Isolate at home; seek guidance from your medical provider.

Students:

• Return home if you are able.
• Self-isolate in your room if you can not return home.  The College is not maintaining isolation rooms.
• Questions about student living arrangements: contact Residence Life after-hours via Public Safety (507-786-3666):
  Public Safety will connect you with the Residence Life on-call staff.
• Contact your professors, class deans, employment supervisors, etc.:
  • It is your responsibility to tell them that you will miss classes/work due to a positive test result, and when your isolation period ends.
• Masks:
  Wear a KN95/N95/KF94 mask when leaving your residence hall room.
• Meal Pick-Up Instructions:
  • You can use the GET App to order food from The Cage.  Ask a friend to pick up the meal for you.
  • If you need assistance with your meals, please contact Residence Life via Public Safety 507-786-3666.
• Medical attention while in isolation:
  • If you would like guidance from a medical provider, call Health Services at 507-786-3063.  In the case of an emergency, contact the Northfield ER at 507-646-1101 or dial 911.
  • Another option for you is Timely Care, a telehealth program for students that provides FREE 24/7 medical and mental telehealth care.
• On-campus counseling services:
  The following are accessible to you upon request: Counseling Center, College Ministry Office, and Wellness Center.
• Getting outside:
  You can go outside to relax, study, etc., but at a time when campus is not terribly busy (be smart about avoiding changes between classes or other busy times, and stay away from others).

All other questions: contact infectiousdiseases@stolaf.edu.