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MOUNTAIN TOP — A case of pertussis, known commonly as “whooping cough,” has been confirmed in the Crestwood School District, an official confirmed Wednesday.
Assistant to the Superintendent Brian Waite said the state Department of Health alerted him on Wednesday that a Crestwood student has a confirmed case of pertussis, and a student at another school presented symptoms. He declined to identify the schools that the students attend.
According to a letter that Waite sent Wednesday to parents via the district’s Skyward email system, pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air when a person sneezes or coughs. Symptoms include a long series of coughs (coughing fits) followed by a whooping noise; older children, adults and very young infants might not develop the whoop.
People with pertussis may have a series of coughs followed by vomiting, turning blue or difficulty catching their breath. The disease can be severe and, although deaths are rare, they do occur, especially in infants, the letter states.
Parents whose children exhibit symptoms should contact a doctor immediately and keep the child home from school. If the condition is confirmed and the child is medicated, he or she can return to school five days after starting the medication. Call the state Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH with questions.
Pertussis immunizations are required for students, but exemptions are available for religious and medical reasons.