Pertussis, or whooping cough, has been confirmed at Springboro High School and now Springboro Junior High and Intermediate schools, according to a letter from district nurse Bronwyn Patterson.
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The first confirmed case was reported Oct. 23 at Springboro High School, followed by three more last week at the high school.
Pertussis — a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria — is a potentially life-threatening childhood illness that all but disappeared in the 1940s after a vaccine was developed. In recent decades, the illness has made a comeback, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To further prevent cases, the district is recommending:
- If ill or presenting signs/symptoms, please stay home
- If your student is seen by a medical provider and swabbed, he/she should remain at home until the test results have been received
- If your student has tested positive for pertussis (whooping cough), he/she should remain home for a minimum of 5 days on treatment
The illness begins with cold symptoms, such as runny nose, mild cough, low-grade fever and sneezing. Within several days, the cough becomes more severe and can be characterized by episodes of numerous rapid coughs, followed by a crowing or high pitched “whoop.”
For further information, contact the Warren County Health Department at 513-695-2097.
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