In response to a concerning rise in pertussis (whooping cough) cases across Hawaii, the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) has developed a comprehensive toolkit aimed at assisting school staff in identifying, addressing, and reporting instances of this highly contagious disease. The Pertussis Toolkit is an invaluable resource designed to support both school staff and parents/guardians in understanding whooping cough and the preventative measures that can be taken.
Pertussis Toolkit Resources Explained
The toolkit is rich with resources that are essential for managing pertussis in school settings. Here’s a detailed look at what it includes:
- Pertussis Fact Sheet: This document provides a thorough overview of whooping cough, detailing its background, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and testing methods, treatment options, vaccines available, and other preventive measures.
- Letter to Parents: Accompanied by the fact sheet, this letter explains the purpose of distributing information on pertussis to raise awareness rather than indicate exposure.
- School & Activities Exclusion Recommendations: Offers guidelines for excluding students suspected of having pertussis from school activities to prevent further spread.
Q&A and Social Media Tools
The toolkit also includes a Pertussis Q&A Handout, which addresses frequently asked questions about the disease. Additionally, a Social Media Carousel Post is provided for schools to disseminate key information online effectively. This digital tool aids in extending awareness through platforms familiar to both students and parents.
Informative Flyers and Handouts
The toolkit comprises various flyers designed for educational purposes:
- Pertussis Infographic: Visual aid for school staff to convey information about the disease's symptoms and prevention measures.
- "Keep Germs to Yourself! Cover Your Cough": Encourages good respiratory hygiene within school premises.
- "Keep Preteens & Teens Up-To-Date, Vaccinate!": Highlights the importance of vaccinations for teenagers.
- "Vax to School": Focuses on the critical need for vaccinations as children enter higher grade levels.
- "Protect Your Baby from Pertussis. Get Vaccinated!": Aimed at encouraging vaccination to safeguard infants from potential exposure.
Additional Tools & Resources
The toolkit provides supplementary materials tailored for both school staff and parents/guardians. These resources ensure that all parties are well-informed about pertussis prevention strategies and can access further information from reliable sources like the HDOH and CDC websites.
The Role of School Staff in Combating Pertussis
School staff play a critical role in managing pertussis outbreaks. Immediate notification of suspected or confirmed cases to the HDOH is crucial for timely intervention. Staff are encouraged to utilize these resources not only as educational tools but also as proactive measures in maintaining a healthy school environment.
For more detailed information about whooping cough and how to protect against it, please follow this link.
