The Bethlehem Central School District confirmed a case of pertussis, commonly known as Whooping Cough, at Elsmere Elementary.
School officials said the student sought appropriate medical care, but warns parents that others may have been exposed to the disease. The district is asking parents to make sure their families are up-to-date with pertussis vaccinations, as the disease is highly contagious.
“Our nursing staff works closely with the Albany County Department of Health to ensure appropriate steps are taken to limit exposure to pertussis,” said Superintendent Thomas Douglas. “One of the most important roles for the district is communication. Once confirmed, we were able to provide Elsmere families with factual and practical information about signs and symptoms of the disease and, out of an abundance of caution, also shared the information widely, giving everyone the opportunity to be as informed as possible about pertussis.”
In a letter home to parents, Elsmere Principal Kate Kloss said “all close contacts to this student have been identified and treated.” However, the district warned pertussis can occur in those who have already received a childhood vaccination because its protection “decreases over time.”
Symptoms include coughing and sneezing, cold-like symptoms and a low-grade fever. Within a few weeks the cough becomes more severe and can lead to pneumonia, dehydration, seizures or death if left untreated.
This is the third case of Pertussis to occur in the Bethlehem Central School District in the last three years.
For questions or concerns, the district recommend’s contacting your child’s healthcare provider or the Albany County Department of Health at 447-4640.
