Edison Middle School in Green Bay, seen May 9, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A case of whooping cough has been confirmed at a Green Bay school.
According to a letter sent to school families and staff, the case was detected at Edison Middle School between Aug. 27-29.
Close contacts will be notified directly by phone from the Brown County Health & Human Services’ Department of Public Health, officials say.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing or other close contact. Infected people can spread pertussis up to three weeks after their cough begins if they are not treated with the appropriate antibiotics.
Health officials say early symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, occasional cough and a low-grade fever. Later symptoms include:
- Fits of violent coughs that may be followed by a deep breath that make a “whoop” sound and/or make it hard to breathe
- Vomiting during or after coughing fits
- Exhaustion after coughing fits
Pertussis affects people of all ages but it can be deadly for babies less than one year old. Officials say infants are often infected by their parents, older siblings or caregivers.
If you or your child develop symptoms of pertussis, or if you’ve been exposed to someone you suspect may have pertussis, health officials say you should stay home from school, work, church and other activities. You should also contact your medical provider to ensure you receive proper treatment.
Experts say vaccination is the best way to prevent a pertussis infection. The DTaP (young children) and TDaP (teens and adults) vaccines protect against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis. To see if your child is up to date, visit the Wisconsin Immunization Registry or contact your medical provider.
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