Grand Ledge Public Schools has confirmed cases of Whooping Cough in the district.
Whooping Cough , Pertussis, can be a very serious illness. The disease is caused by a bacteria that is then spread through sneezing and coughing. The time between exposure and symptoms is usually between 7 - 10 days, but can take up to 3 weeks.
In the early stages Whooping Cough can seem like a common cold. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, mild dry cough, and low-grade fever. That's when the disease is most contagious.
After about 1 to 2 weeks, more serious coughing spells develop that can last for more than a minute and even make it hard to breathe. At the end of the coughing spell the child may make a high-pitched whooping sound as they try to catch their breath. Sometimes the coughing will even cause them to vomit. The coughing at this point tends to be worse at night.
Vaccinations against Whooping Cough have made it a rare disease. Most children are protected through their routine childhood immunizations. If your child is over ten years old they might need to get a booster vaccine.
Whooping Cough can be treated or even prevented with antibiotics if it is detected early enough. If your child has been exposed contact your health care provider for preventative treatment.
If your child has any of the above symptoms do not let them go to school. Keep them home, and call your doctor immediately. Grand Ledge Public schools asks that you inform them of any illness.
The full release by Grand Ledge Public Schools is embedded below.
