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WHOOPING COUGH CONFIRMED IN GREENWOOD AREA
Friday, November 2nd, 2007 -- 12:30 pm
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
The Clark County Health Department reports there have been six confirmed cases of Whooping Cough in the Greenwood school district.
Whooping Cough—or pertussis—is characterized by coughing spells that get worse over one to two weeks and are usually accompanied by a "whooping" noise while breathing.
"Public Health is working on the notification and the treatment of the close contacts of the people that have pertussis," explains Clark County Public Health Officer Deb Miller.
The infected children are students in the Greenwood school system. A letter went home with all students this week explaining the situation, explaining what pertussis, the symptoms, treatment and encouraging vigilance.
"If the child has a persistent cough, they definitely need to go to their doctor and get tested," urges Miller.
Pertussis is highly contagious. The bacteria spread when the person sneezes, coughs, or laughs.
While fever isn't a threat with whooping cough, the cough can be very invasive.
"The cough can cause vomiting, turning blue or difficulty catching their breath," Miller says. "The cough is worse at night and cough medicines don't help at all."
Local officials have been in contact with the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services and the CDC.
If you have any questions about whooping cough, you should call the Clark County Health Department at 743-5105.
On the Web:
Pertussis.com Website
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