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Whooping
Cough confirmed in area schools
Highly contagious disease begins with common cold symptoms and
cough
 BROADALBIN
– Two cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have
been confirmed in the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District,
one at each of the district’s two buildings. The district is
notifying all parents in the district of the diagnoses, and
providing them with information on the symptoms of pertussis
along with recommendations from the New York State Department of
Health.
A confirmed case of pertussis was just diagnosed in Johnstown's
Glebe St. elementary School, and one case was found early in January in
the Fonda-Fultonville CSD. Appropriate notifications have been
made in both districts.
A child who has been around someone with pertussis may become
sick with pertussis as well, especially if the child has not
received all of the pertussis vaccines (DPT or DTaP). Even if a
child’s shots are up to date, he or she may still be able to
catch pertussis.
Parents who suspect their child has been in contact with someone
with pertussis should contact their family physician.
Antibiotics may prevent the child from becoming ill.
If the child is already sick, giving antiobiotics early can help
shorten the duration of the illness and lessen the changes of
the disease being spread to others.
Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is spread through
the air by cough. Pertussis begins with cold symptoms and a
cough, which becomes much worse within 1-2 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. There
is generally only a slight fever.
Other symptoms of pertussis include vomiting, turning blue or
difficulty breathing. The cough is often worse at night and
cough medicines usually do not help alleviate the cough.
The New York State Department of Health has issued the following
recommendations on pertussis:
1. Infants under one year old—especially those under six
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.
2. Some children seven years and older have recently been given
a vaccine called Tdap, which may give them additional
protection.
3. If you child comes down with cold symptoms that include a
cough, talk to your child’s doctor without delay. Tell the
doctor that pertussis has been diagnosed in your child’s
schoolmates.
Additional questions and concerns should be directed to the
Fulton County Health Department, 736-5720.
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