DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Officials are informing the De Pere High School community of likely cases of whooping cough.
A memo sent Tuesday to parents, guardians and staff from the De Pere Health Department says “probable” cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have been identified at De Pere High School.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis only found in humans. It spreads from person to person by coughing, sneezing, or spending a lot of time near one another where you share breathing space. Infected people can spread pertussis up to 3 weeks after the cough begins if they are not treated with the appropriate antibiotics. Individuals usually become ill within 10 days of exposure.
Health officials say early symptoms include a runny nose, occasional cough and an absent to minimal fever. Later symptoms include:
Fits of violent coughs that may be followed by a deep breath that make a “whoop” sound and/or make it hard to breathe
Vomiting during or after coughing fits
Exhaustion after coughing fits
Pertussis begins with mild symptoms likened to a common cold and then progressively gets worse. Children and young infants often appear very ill. Recovery can happen slowly. Coughs become milder and less frequent, but fits can return and persist for many months after the initial infection.
If you or your child develop symptoms of pertussis, health officials say you should stay home from school, work, church and other activities. You should also contact your medical provider to inform them of potential exposure and ensure you receive proper treatment.
Experts say vaccination is the best way to prevent a pertussis infection. The DTaP (young children) and TDaP (teens and adults) vaccines protect against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis. To see if your child is up to date, visit the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or contact your medical provider.
The De Pere Health Department is hosting a walk-in TDaP clinic Wednesday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 335 S. Broadway. Adults ages 19+ regardless of insurance and children under the age of 19 without insurance or who are on Medicaid are eligible.
Parents and guardians of children 18 and under with insurance should contact their medical provider or local pharmacy for vaccination.
Anyone with questions on this situation is invited to reach out to the De Pere Health Department at (920) 339-4054 or contact Krista Nelson, District Nurse for the Unified School District of De Pere, at (920) 983-9174.
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