We have been asked to help get the word out about Whooping cough, please see the message below.

Hi All,

There has been an increase in Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in Washington and the numbers are creeping up on Oregon.  This is a dangerous trend for infants and those children who are not immunized.  I'd like to alert ECE providers and teachers and let them know that it is recommended that adults get vaccinated against pertussis. Even though pertussis doesn't usually make adults very ill it can be deadly for infants and susceptible young children.  Below is the message from the Public Health Division public information Office for child care and education.  I have attached flyers in both English and Spanish to go with the message.  Please pass on the message and flyers through your communication networks to child care providers and teachers:

Pertussis is on the rise across the country and in our state this year.  Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is easily spread by an infected person’s cough or sneeze.  Anyone can get pertussis but newborns and infants who are not fully immunized can become very ill and sometimes die from the disease. The good news is that there is a vaccine that will prevent it.  Those in close contact with infants and very young children, including early care and education professionals,  can create a protective “cocoon” around them by getting immunized against pertussis themselves with the Tdap vaccine.  Talk with your health care professional about getting vaccinated today.  For more information, visit http://1.usa.gov/PertussisOregon