GREENFIELD (WITI) -- The Greendale Health Department says a case of pertussis, or whooping cough has been confirmed in a student attending Greendale High School.
Pertussis is a contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory tract. It is easily treated with antibiotics. If not treated a person is contagious seven days before cough onset and 21 days after cough onset.
Symptoms generally appear 7-21 days after exposure. Early illness begins with cold-like symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever and a mild occasional cough. The cough becomes increasingly more persistent.
The Greendale Health Department says parents should keep their children home, and contact their healthcare provider if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:
Anyone in close contact with a known pertussis case who has a chronic lung condition, problems with their immune system, are pregnant or are less than one year of age are at high risk of contracting severe disease.
Anyone at high risk or who has close family contact with a high risk person should contact their physician about receiving preventive treatment. Close contact includes:
The Greendale Health Department says most children are protected against pertussis through their childhood immunization series, but in some cases, even with immunization protection, children and adults can contact pertussis, but may have milder symptoms.
The Greendale Health Department provides pertussis vaccines for adults and children. Call 414-423-2110 for more information or to make an appointment.
CLICK HERE for more information on whooping cough via the CDC.