Pertussis, which is also known as whooping cough in its more advanced stages, can be deadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Federal health officials describe the disease as “a very serious respiratory (in the lungs and breathing tubes) infection caused by the pertussis bacteria. It can cause violent coughing fits. Whooping cough is most harmful for young babies and can be deadly.”
Fairfield West School Nurse Sue Shepard said in the notice sent to parents that “pertussis begins with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose and cough, which may be mild at first. The cough, which is worse at night, progresses to whooping in about one to two weeks and spells of coughing sometimes ends in vomiting.”
Immunization for pertussis is required by law for children six years or younger before enrolling in school.
A more detailed information sheet regarding whooping cough was also sent to school parents.
Fairfield district officials said they have not heard of any other cases at other city schools.
The Journal-News will report more as information becomes available.
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