Second Whooping Cough Case at Western Salisbury Elementary

is reporting another outbreak of , or pertussis, at Western Salisbury Elementary School for the second time this year. Harry S. Truman Elementary School had two outbreaks earlier this year. The district posted the following notice on its Web site:

It has just come to our attention on March 22, that children may have been exposed to a person who has pertussis (whooping cough) over the past few days while at Western Salisbury Elementary School.

Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Pertussis begins with cold symptoms and a cough, which becomes much worse over 1-2 weeks. Symptoms usually include a long series of coughs (“coughing fits”) followed by a whooping noise. However, older children, adults and very young infants may not develop the whoop. People with pertussis may have a series of coughs followed by vomiting, turning blue, or difficulty catching their breath. The cough is often worse at night and cough medicines usually do not help alleviate the cough.

If you or child are coughing, promptly contact your physician. Explain to the doctor your child may have been exposed to a case of pertussis and you may need to be evaluated.

If you or your doctor has a question about pertussis, please call the Pennsylvania

Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH