We are experiencing a high volume of students (and staff) with cough and flu symptoms. Please ensure you keep your children home from school if they present with a nasty cough, runny nose or fever. We are continuing to rely on habits developed throughout the Covid lockdown and use the hand sanitiser every day before and after eating, entering the classroom and after the toilets.

Department of Health Warning for parents and families

There has been an update on the Increasing Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Cases

MAIN POINTS

• The Department of Health, Victoria has issued a health alert, Increasing pertussis (whooping cough) cases in Victoria.

• The key messages are: cases of pertussis are increasing in Victoria, mostly affecting children aged 10-12 years
• pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness known for causing a cough and can lead to life threatening infections in babies

• symptoms of pertussis may be very similar to other respiratory infections, especially in the early stages, meaning diagnosis by a doctor as soon as possible is important.

ACTIONS REQUIRED

• Principals are asked to:

Primary schools must NOT allow a student with whooping cough to attend the school for 21 days after the onset of cough or until they have completed five (5) days of antibiotics.

• Students younger than seven (7) years who are in proximity of a whooping cough case, and who have not received three (3) doses of the pertussis vaccine, should also be excluded for 14 days from the last date of exposure, or until they have completed five (5) days of antibiotics. 2
• Secondary schools and all staff that are not bound by the legislative exclusion requirements applying to primary schools but are encouraged to follow the same guidance to ensure staff and student safety. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Vaccination is the most important preventive measure against these diseases

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Vaccination is the most important preventive measure against whooping cough as it reduces the risk of infection and severe illness and protects those in the community who are most vulnerable. • It is recommended staff and students stay up to date with their vaccinations, including booster doses and seek medical attention early if whooping cough symptoms occur.
• remind the school community about the importance of seeing their General Practitioner if their children exhibit any of the symptoms listed
• consider any school community members (staff or parents/guardians/carers) who are pregnant or who have infants under the age of six (6) months, to ensure this important information is available to them.