November 5, 2024

West Bend East and West Families, 

The Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department has asked that we share this detailed information with all families of high school students. 

This letter is to inform you a case of pertussis has been reported to the West Bend School District in a person who attended West Bend East/West High School on October 27 through November 1. 

What is pertussis? (Whooping Cough)
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is a contagious bacterial illness that affects the respiratory tract. It is spread by exposure to respiratory droplets from an infected person through coughing.

What are the symptoms of pertussis?
Early symptoms can appear similar to the flu such as:
·         Runny nose or sneezing
·         Occasional or mild cough
·         Low grade fever

Later symptom include:

·         Persistent cough

·         Coughing fits which make it difficult to breathe or cause vomiting

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear between 7-10 days after exposure, with a range of 5-21 days. Exposure dates in this case are October 27 through November 1. 

What should I do?
Please monitor for the symptoms listed above. If a person is showing symptoms, especially a new cough, contact your healthcare provider. Please let them know about concern for possible exposure to pertussis prior to your visit. Please do not go to a clinic without calling the clinic first. This is in order to not expose other people or staff at the clinic or urgent care to pertussis. Follow your clinic or provider directions prior to your visit.

If symptoms suggestive of pertussis develop, please stay at home with no attendance at work, school, or social activities until pertussis has been ruled out for the symptomatic person or they have completed 5 days of antibiotic treatment. A cough can still persist after antibiotic treatment is completed but the person is no longer considered contagious.

If my child has had the pertussis vaccine can they still get pertussis?
Yes. No vaccine is 100% effective in preventing disease. Even if your child is up to date with their vaccine, there is still a possibility of developing pertussis if exposed to a case.

If you have other questions, contact your healthcare provider or Amy Braeger, RN, District Nurse,
at abraeger@wbsd-schools.org. 

Sincerely, 

Jennifer Potter, Executive Principal