A 4-year-old child in a childcare centre has had paroxysmal coughing with post-tussive vomiting for 12 days, a…

Question

A 4-year-old child in a childcare centre has had paroxysmal coughing with post-tussive vomiting for 12 days, and PCR has detected Bordetella pertussis. He is otherwise well and has started azithromycin today. Several children in the centre are younger than 6 months. For how long should he be excluded from childcare?

Accepted Answer

Exclude until five days of appropriate antibiotic treatment have been completed

Answer

Exclude until 21 days after the onset of coughing

Answer

Exclude until the cough has completely resolved

Answer

Exclude until a repeat PCR test is negative

Answer

No exclusion is required once antibiotic treatment has commenced

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