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Schools

Elementary Student May Have Whooping Cough

Easton school officials warn parents of whooping cough danger.

The  has alerted parents to an unconfirmed case of pertussis, better known as whooping cough, at .

Whooping cough was  and also  in the last two months.

A phone alert sent by Easton school officials Friday said, "This correspondence is intended to alert parents/guardians of the symptoms of pertussis and that the school district is closely monitoring this situation."

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The alert also said March Principal Judith Steinberg will update parents and guardians on Monday.

The Easton alert suggested that all students get shots to protect themselves from the illness.

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Parents should know:

  • Whooping cough may come with cold symptoms and a cough that worsens over time.
  • It can last for months and is marked by long coughing fits that can be followed by whooping noises, vomiting, turning blue or difficulty catching one's breath.
  • Contact your physician or the Pennsylvania Department of Health for more information.

The Pa. Department of Health advises

  • All Pennsylvanians should get vaccinated and protect themselves. 
  • The typical childhood vaccine immunization series is at 4, 6, 15-18 months and a booster at 4-6 years old.

The adolescent-adult Tdap vaccines are recommended for:

  • Individuals 10 to 64 years of age who are not fully immunized
  • Women of childbearing age, before or immediately after pregnancy
  • People who have contact with pregnant women or infants too young to have received a full series of vaccinations
  • All family members and caregivers of infants.
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