Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
A student at Neshaminy High School has been diagnosed with whooping cough, often known by its medical name of pertussis.
In a letter sent home to parents, Principal Dr. Rob McGee said the school district and Bucks County Department of Health have been in contact.
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The Mayo Clinic states whooping cough is “marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like ‘whoop.’” The illness is rarely fatal but can be dangerous for those with weakened immune systems and infants.
Whooping cough was nearly eradicated by vaccines until recent years when more and more cases began to spring up. Doctors blame the resurgence on a variety of factors.
Dear NHS Parents/Guardians:
A student at Neshaminy High School has met the criteria for a diagnosis of pertussis, also known as whooping cough.
NHS was in immediate communication with the Bucks County Department of Health and is following the appropriate procedures.
Pertussis is a bacterial infection that usually begins with mild upper respiratory symptoms similar to a cold accompanied by a mild to moderate cough, often lasting more than 2 weeks.
The cough worsens, often becoming coughing fits, followed by vomiting or difficulty catching a breath.
There may be no other signs of illness between coughs.
The symptoms can last 1-3 months.
If your child currently has a cough, or develops any cough illness in the next 21 days, he/she should promptly be evaluated by a health care provider and possibly treated.
If symptoms of the disease are present and treatment is recommended by your health care provider, your child should not return to school until five (5) days of antibiotics are completed.
Although many students have protection or immunity against pertussis, some immunized children may still not be fully protected against pertussis, as vaccine protection wears off over time. Contact your health care provider for more information on the specific pertussis vaccine that may be available for your child’s age group.
If you would like further information on pertussis, the CDC website is an excellent resource. (http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html)
Please don’t hesitate to call if you have questions/concerns.
Rob McGee, Ph.D.
Principal
Neshaminy High School
215-809-6102
