**ALERT** Case of whooping cough confirmed in Harrington SD

Harrington School District Superintendent Mike Perry sent a letter to all parents and staff Wednesday, June 6, on the subject of potential pertussis (whooping cough) exposure by students of the school district.

On June 5, he received notification that there was a confirmed diagnosis of pertussis (whooping cough) within the Harrington School District and, therefore, the potential for exposure of other students.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness, and Washington State is currently experiencing a statewide pertussis epidemic. As a result, the Harrington School District is working with the Lincoln County Health Department, local healthcare providers and the family to identify potential contacts for appropriate follow-up care.

Ed Dzedzy of the Lincoln County Health Department, also sent notices out to local media to help raise awareness, especially with high risk populations of pregnant women and young infants, that the best tool for preventing the spread of pertussis is to be up to date on vaccinations. It is important to receive a Tdap booster at the age of 11 and older, especially those who have contact with infants and pregnant women.

The time between exposure to pertussis and the beginning of symptoms is usually 5 to 10 days, but may be as long as 21 days. The first symptoms appear like a cold (runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough and low-grade fever). The cough becomes persistent for one to two weeks, then progresses to a severe cough that occurs in explosive bursts followed by a "whoop" and occasionally vomiting. In infants, these bouts of coughing can end in the child turning blue or in breathing stopping altogether. Pertussis in infants, especially those under six months of age, can be life threatening. Older children and adults may present with mild cold-like symptoms and persistent coughing spells; the "whoop" is often absent. It can cause severe illness in older and immune-compromised individuals. Pertussis is spread by ill people coughing and sneezing close to other people, especially in enclosed spaces and for long periods of time.

If you or your child have any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you see your healthcare provider for evaluation. If pertussis is suspected, please keep the ill person at home until test results are negative or they have completed five (5) days of antibiotic treatment. If the patient does not take the prescribed antibiotic treatment, he/she must remain home for 21 days from the onset of cough to prevent further spread of the illness.

The best means of protecting against pertussis is to get vaccinated on schedule. It is recommended that all individuals over the age of 11 receive a Tdap booster because immunity wears off over time. If you or your child are not up to date, please contact your healthcare provider or the Lincoln County Health Department to get vaccinated.

Please refer any questions regarding pertussis or vaccination status to your healthcare provider or the Lincoln County Public Health Department at 725-1001.