Chatham Super: No New Pertussis Cases Reported

CHATHAM, NJ - Good news for parents holding their breath since the letter from the School District of the Chathams announced a case of whooping cough (pertussis) last Tuesday - no new cases have been reported.

According to Superintendent Michael LaSusa the district has not received any notification of additional infections beyond the original reports.

Last week LaSusa sent out a letter stating Southern Boulevard School had a confirmed case and a suspected case at Chatham Middle School.

"Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air by a cough or a sneeze. Pertussis begins with cold symptoms and a cough, which become much worse over 1-2 weeks," LaSusa said. "Symptoms usually include a long series of coughing fits followed by a whooping noise."

The letter shared symptoms and next steps that should be taken by the community as well as the district.

"We continue to monitor the situation at school and if additional actions to control the spread of pertussis among pupils become necessary, we will again notify parents. Please be advised that, due to the confidentiality of health matters of students, we will not release the identities of the students or other information pertaining to them, such as their homerooms or school schedules," LaSusa said. "We have been advised by health care providers that this information is irrelevant because an infected person also visits hallways, restrooms, the cafeteria, the library, and other locations where there can be potential transmission of illness."

LaSusa said it was important that caretakers monitor children for symptoms and to reach out if there were any general concerns or questions.

"If you have general concerns or questions about pertussis, please contact your school nurse or the Madison Health Department at (973) 593-3079," LaSusa said. "If you have specific concerns or questions about your child's health, contact your health care provider."

(Photo courtesy of YouTube)

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