A nurse is discussing pertussis with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

A. Prophylactic treatment is offered to those who have been in close contact with an infected child in the past 60 days. While prophylactic antibiotics (such as azithromycin) are recommended for close contacts of an infected person, the timeframe for exposure is within the past 21 days, not 60 days. B. Severe, prolonged episodes of coughing is a characteristic manifestation of this infection. Pertussis (whooping cough) is marked by severe coughing fits followed by a "whooping" sound during inhalation. The cough is paroxysmal (sudden and violent), prolonged, and can lead to vomiting, exhaustion, or respiratory distress. C. A painful, stiff neck is a common manifestation of this infection. A stiff neck (nuchal rigidity) is more commonly associated with meningitis, not pertussis. Pertussis primarily affects the respiratory system, causing a severe cough. D. An antiviral medication is administered to treat this infection. Pertussis is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, so it is treated with antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin), not antivirals.