Respiratory Illness Alert

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has observed a significant rise in cases of the respiratory illnesses caused by Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and Bordetella Pertussis across the Commonwealth in recent weeks. Please find some information about these illnesses below:

M. pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia, especially in children, and can cause community outbreaks. Symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia often include persistent cough, fever, and fatigue, though symptoms are often mild, and patients do not require hospitalization.

Pertussis, also known as “whooping cough", is highly contagious, vaccine preventable illness. Pertussis illness begins with mild upper respiratory tract symptoms and can progress to severe paroxysms of cough, often with characteristic respiratory whoop, which may be followed by vomiting. Cough is often worse at night. Fever is usually absent or minimal. Any prolonged cough illness regardless of vaccine status should see a medical provider.

Treatment:

Both respiratory illnesses require antibiotic treatment. Individuals should stay home and not attend school or work while symptomatic and follow the doctor's recommendation for antibiotics prior to returning to school or work (generally before returning to school or work: pneumoniae requires 24 hours and pertussis requires 5 days of antibiotics).

Prevention: 

  • Frequent hand washing with soap and water, or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

  • Cover cough/sneezes with elbow or wear a mask

  • Another way to help combat these illnesses is to stay up to date on vaccinations, including Tdap that protects from pertussis. Teens usually get a Tdap booster around age 11-12, adults should get a booster every 10 years.

    General illness guidelines for when to keep your child home

Consider keeping your child at home for extra rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:

  • Very stuffy or runny nose and/or cough

  • Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)

  • Headache 

  • Stomachache

Definitely keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms: 

  • Fever (greater than 100.4 degrees and your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100.4 degrees, for a minimum of 24 hours) 

  • Vomiting (even once, must be vomit free for 24 hours before returning)

  • Diarrhea 

  • Chills

  • General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches 

  • Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough

Thank you for your continued commitment to keep our school healthy!

For questions, please reach out to Julia Bugeau-Heartt at jbugeau-heartt@gus.org.

Lower School, Upper School, Health OfficeJulia Bugeau-Heartt