Skip To Main Content

Select a School

Madison Metropolitan School District

Health Services Message Regarding Pertussis

Subscribe to Alerts
Insurance form and other Medical instraments
Health Services Message Regarding Pertussis

Last month, MMSD shared that cases of Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, are increasing sharply nationwide, including within Madison schools. As cases grow, we are sharing additional information about prevention and treatment. 

Q: What is Pertussis?

Pertussis is a very contagious respiratory illness that may begin like a common cold, but develops into a severe cough that can last for weeks. It typically starts with a runny nose, low-grade fever and mild occasional cough that can last for 1-2 weeks. After this time, coughing fits with a cough that makes a “whoop” sound are common.

Q: How is MMSD responding to cases?

MMSD continues to work closely with Public Health Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) to follow our health and safety plan, which includes following their measures for contract tracing, testing, treating and isolating. Pertussis is known as a “reportable illness” which means health providers must report to state or local public health officials when diagnosed. MMSD’s health services staff learns of positive cases from PHMDC.

Q: What do I do if a student develops symptoms of Pertussis?

If your student develops symptoms they should stay home from school and contact their health care provider for testing.

Q: My student tested positive for Pertussis. Now what?

Anyone who tests positive for pertussis should stay home and away from others in your home while contagious. You can expect a confidential call from trained PHMDC staff who will offer additional guidance. Healthcare providers generally treat whooping cough with antibiotics. If you are being treated for Pertussis, please stay home until treatment is finished, which typically lasts about five days.

If your student is being treated or tested for Pertussis, please contact your school's health office so we can begin the contact tracing process as soon as possible.

Q: How can we prevent Pertussis from spreading?

To keep our community safe, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following measures:

We want to assure you that our health services staff and PHMDC are going above and beyond to prioritize the health and safety of our entire community. For more information, please see the following "what you need to know" fact sheets from PHMDC.