District: E. Islip child center worker has whooping cough

The East Islip school district has sent home letters to parents informing them that an adult in the Early Childhood Center has been diagnosed with pertussis, or whooping cough, a school official said Thursday.

The school district was informed Tuesday that an adult from the center had been diagnosed with the contagious disease and the letters went out that day, said Alise Becker-Santa, assistant superintendent for instruction and personnel.

The person had been at school Oct. 8 with symptoms and was contagious, the school district told parents. The incubation period is up to 21 days from the time of exposure. However, those with weak immune systems can be susceptible for up to 42 days.

Becker-Santa said the person was recovering at home and is likely to return to work next week.

A week earlier, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip had notified parents, families and employees that a health care worker in the maternity unit had had the infection. Becker-Santa said there was no indication the two cases were related.

Pertussis can cause serious illness, especially in infants, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease starts like the common cold. After one to two weeks, severe coughing begins. Infants and children with the disease often cough violently and rapidly, and they inhale with a loud "whooping" sound.

The disease usually spreads by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others. The best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated.

The school district urged parents to contact their child's doctor if he or she shows any symptoms. The infection can be treated with antibiotics.