Pertussis is an infection that affects the airways and is easily spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. It usually causes a severe cough that can last for weeks or months, sometimes leading to coughing fits and/or vomiting. However, it is possible that the coughing and other signs of illness will be milder in individuals who have been fully vaccinated for pertussis.

Anyone can get pertussis, but it can be very dangerous for infants, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems or lung problems. Johnson County Public Health is following up on all cases of pertussis to conduct contact tracing and prevent further illness.

Here are the public health recommendations for what you should do next:

1. Keep a close eye on your health.

2. Check to make sure you are up to date on your pertussis vaccines.

• These are often called Dtap or Tdap vaccines in medical records.

3. If you become sick, stay home from school, work, or other activities and make an appointment to see a medical provider.

• Make sure the provider knows that there has been pertussis in the community and ask them to test you for pertussis.

4. If you are someone who could get very sick from pertussis or you have contact with someone at high risk, such as infants, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems, please call Johnson County Public Health to ask about next steps to protect yourself and these people.

If you test positive for pertussis, you should stay home until you hear from public health about when you can no longer give the illness to others.

If you feel that you have had significant close contact to an individual who has tested positive for pertussis, please reach out to the UI Student Health Nurseline (319-335-9704) with questions or concerns. Significant close contact could include spending more than an hour in close proximity, contact with saliva (i.e. sharing food or drink), or direct exposure to respiratory secretions (i.e. getting coughed or sneezed on).

Students should contact UI Student Health Nurseline (319-335-9704) with questions or concerns. You may also contact the Johnson County Department of Public Health at 319-356-6040 and ask to speak a disease prevention specialist.