May 22, 2013
Oct. 2, 2012 - A case of pertussis, or whooping cough, has been confirmed in Middleburgh High School. The County Health Department and our school district health care provider, Nicole Dunn, PA, are closely monitoring the situation with us and the following information will be sent home to all district families. Most children have already been immunized against pertussis. Prior immunization does decrease the risk of getting the disease; however, immunization does not guarantee that your child will not develop pertussis.
This is a good time to review your child’s immunization status. Ideally your children have received five pertussis vaccines (DTaP) by age 5 and one (Tdap) at age 11. If your child’s vaccinations are not up to date, vaccinations are available in the School-Based Health Center for all students enrolled in the health center.
Parents who suspect their child has been in direct contact with someone with pertussis should contact their family physician. Antibiotics may prevent them from becoming ill or may lessen the severity of the disease. If your child is already sick, giving antibiotics early can help your child get well faster and lower the chances of spreading the disease to others.
Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air by cough. Pertussis can begin with cold symptoms, low grade fever and a cough, which becomes much worse over 1 to 2 weeks. Symptoms usually include a long series of coughs (“coughing fits”) followed by a whooping noise. However, older children, adults and very young infants may not develop the whoop. People with pertussis may have a series of coughs followed by vomiting, turning blue, or difficulty catching their breath. The cough is often worse at night and cough medicines usually do not help alleviate the cough.
Please consider the following New York State
Department of Health Recommendations:
• Infants under 1 year of age—especially those under 6
months—are most likely to have severe symptoms if they develop
pertussis. When possible, young infants should be kept away from
people with a cough. Infants with any coughing illness should be
seen promptly by their doctor.
• If your child comes down with cold symptoms that include a cough, talk with your child’s doctor. Tell the doctor that pertussis has been seen in your child’s schoolmates.
• If you have reason to suspect your child may have pertussis, please do not send them to school until you have discussed the matter with your private physician.
Further information about pertussis is through the links below. Additional questions and concerns should be directed to the Schoharie County Health Department at 295-8365 or to your family physician.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Pertussis
