Wilmot student has whooping cough

breakingnews

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

Wilmot Union High School officials are working with the Kenosha County Division of Health in reducing exposure to a recent confirmed case of pertussis, or whooping cough.

The County Division of Health confirmed on Tuesday that they are investigating the contagious bacterial disease, which involves a student.

Initially, symptoms are a mild or irritating cough, a runny nose and a potential low-grade fever.

An explosive cough that disrupts breathing or eating could follow initial symptoms.

Kira Krause, Public Health Nurse, said the Division of Health’s role is to conduct state mandated follow-ups.

“The main thing is to prevent further exposure,” Krause said. “We do follow-ups according to state statutes.”

Krause was unable to determine how long the student had symptoms, citing the respiratory disease is unpredictable.

Symptoms typically occur between 7-10 days after exposure, but can be as soon as five days, if not 21 days.

While it is not known if more than one student is affected, school officials sent two different letters to parents and guardians on Monday, with an outline of recommendations.

District Administrator Daniel Kopp and school officials are maintaining contact with the Division of Health.

“At this point, the school’s responsibility is to assist the Kenosha County Division of Health in its investigation,” Kopp said on Wednesday. “And follow the procedures that the Health Department has in place for this scenario.”

On Monday, the school informed parents and guardians through a letter sent home with students.

For students in the same class, parents and guardians were informed they were close contacts.

Classroom, or close contact, were given recommendations to minimize future exposure.

If a child exhibits a cough, recommendations are to keep children home, see a primary physician, and request antibiotics if they live with the elderly or an infant.

“It is usually recommended for anyone that is exposed to stay home,” Krause said. “If your child has a cough, it is advised that they see their doctor, and refrain from sports and activities.”

Krause encouraged students not symptomatic to get vaccinated.

People who already received the vaccination have more mild symptoms, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.


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