Third Whooping Cough Case Found In T/E Middle School: District

The Tredyffrin/Easttown School District is warning parents of a third case of whooping cough found in Tredyffrin/Easttown Middle school, according to an Oct. 24 district letter to parents and guardians.

In the newest case, students may have been exposed between Sept. 23 and Oct. 20, the district said.

On Oct. 19, the district sent out notification of its second whooping cough case, saying students in T/E Middle School may have been exposed between Sept. 19 and Oct. 17.

The first case was reported by the District on Oct. 10, with the district saying students in T/E Middle School may have been exposed between Sept. 28 and Oct. 7.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a bacterial respiratory infection that is highly contagious and can be spread in the air through coughing or sneezing, the district's letter reads. It also said the infection can be in a person's body for up to 21 days without the person showing symptoms such as coughing.

"It causes violent coughing that often cannot be stopped, followed by a whooping noise, vomiting, or turning blue," the letter says. "There is generally no fever. The cough is often worse at night and cough medicines usually don't help."

The district recommends vaccination as the best option to prevent contracting the illness. It said the Chester County Health Department offers free vaccinations to those who meet eligibility requirements. The district said whooping cough is most harmful to young babies and can even lead to death.

"Please consult your physician if you have any questions regarding your immunization status or your child's and if your child develops any symptoms of pertussis," the letter reads.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to learn more about whooping cough.

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