Clark County Health Department Reports Case of Pertussis at the Loyal School District

Tuesday, November 12th, 2024 -- 1:01 PM

The Clark County Health Department has stated that a case of pertussis (whooping cough) has been reported at Loyal School District.

Your child may have been exposed from 10/16/24-11/4/24. If your child has or develops symptoms of pertussis, please contact your child’s doctor. Pertussis Symptoms, specifically early symptoms, include runny nose, mild cough, and possibly a low-grade fever, similar to a cold.

Later symptoms, after 1-2 weeks, include severe coughing fits that can make it hard to breathe, eat, or sleep. After coughing, your child might make a "whooping" sound when trying to breathe in and may also gag or vomit. These coughing spells can last for weeks or months.

Vaccinated individuals may have milder symptoms without the "whoop." If you think your child has been exposed, you should monitor your child for cough illness.

Symptoms usually appear 7-10 days after exposure but can show up as early as 5 days or as late as 21 days. If symptoms appear: Get your child checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Early treatment is important to stop the spread of the disease. Your child should be tested for pertussis and start antibiotic treatment the same day. Keep your child at home until they have completed 5 days of antibiotics.

Your doctor will report positive test results to the health department. Make sure your child is up-to-date on pertussis vaccinations. Check with your doctor or the Marathon County Health Department about your child’s vaccination status.

Prevent the Spread by washing hands often, cover coughs, and stay home when sick. For more information on pertussis, please visit dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/pertussis.htm.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.