SHOREWOOD — Three cases of pertussis in Shorewood schools have been confirmed by the district on Friday. The disease is more commonly known as whooping cough.
Cases of whooping cough start like a cold. A person may have a runny nose, low-grade fever and a slight cough, but over the course of a week, violent dry, coughing fits start, lasting for a minute or longer. A person with whooping cough may find it hard to catch their breath, causing a "whooping" sound. In some instances, the coughing fits can lead to vomiting.
For a fact sheet to distinguish between a cold, the flu and whooping cough symptoms, click here.
Cough medicines tend to not work for whooping cough and anyone with these symptoms should be seen by their primary care physician.
The Department of Health Services website says 90.2% of Shorewood School District students have met the minimum immunization requirements.
Shorewood School District is asking if your child has been tested for pertussis or any other respiratory illness (influenza, RSV) to please inform the school of the results as soon as possible. The physician’s office may fax a letter to the District Nurse Kelly Barlow at 414-963-6946.
Nurse Barlow wants to remind the public that anyone with a fever is contagious. They should remain at home until their fever goes away without the use of medication.
The DTap Vaccination is usually five doses administered to children between 2 months and 6 years.
The Tdap Booster is a required vaccination for all students entering 6th grade. The vaccine can protect from tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. For anyone interested in a booster, the North Shore Health Department has affordable vaccinations available by appointment only.
