Three new cases of whooping cough

BREAKING_NEWSTwo at Randall, one in Lakewood

By Jason Arndt

Staff Writer

Two more schools have confirmed cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, according to administrators at Lakewood and Randall Consolidated schools.

The disease begins with respiratory symptoms of cold and cough, and can quickly progress into sever fits of coughing and may be accompanied by vomiting, according to a letter sent home to parents by the Kenosha County Division of Health Services.

In a release issued by the Division of Health, students with symptoms are recommended to stay home, get vaccinated and see a physician.

Administrators at both districts are working with the Division of Health in reducing exposure to the airborne disease.

“It is important to wash hands and get vaccinated, if you have not already, especially if you are around young children or the elderly,” said Public Health Nurse Diane Bosovich.

Lakewood School Administrator Joseph Price said there has been no significant changes in attendance following the case.

“Our attendance rate has remained average for this time of the year,” Price said. “We have not had any other cases reported at this time.”

Meanwhile, two students at Randall Consolidated School have whooping cough.

On Thursday night, District Administrator John Gendron said parents of students at Randall Consolidated School were notified.

“We have two confirmed cases at Randall,” Gendron said. “Notification was sent to all parents and we are following recommendations.”

While both schools are following recommendations, the Division of Health is reviewing more suspected cases, but did not indicate if it is an epidemic.

“It is a fluid situation,” Bosovich said. “We have also seen an increase of suspect cases, so we are waiting for test results to come back.”

The first school West of Interstate 94 to report a case of pertussis was Wilmot Union High School last month, but it has been resolved, according to District Administrator Daniel Kopp.

Overall, there are four schools in Kenosha County with confirmed cases, which include Kenosha Indian Trail Academy and High School.

 

 

 


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