West Middlesex, Pa.: Whooping vough outbreak

[Shiloh]

Source: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/health&id=6510481

West Middlesex, Pa. - November 17, 2008 -- At least sixteen students in West Middlesex Area Schools in Western Pennsylvania have come down with pertussis, better known as whooping cough. It started with one case back in September, but the highly contagious disease quickly spread into what the Pennsylvania State Department of Health is now calling an outbreak.

The health department has worked with the school since the first case to educate students, teachers and parents about the signs and symptoms.

West Middlesex Schools Superintendent Alan Baldarelli said the cases were confined to the elementary school, which has some parents wondering why the building wasn't shut down. It turns out the State Department of Health says that's exactly what not to do.

The pertussis vaccine is one of the immunizations given to all babies, but until a few years ago, there was no booster shot for kids over seven or for adults.

Free vaccines are being offered to everyone in the district. Students with whooping cough who get treatment can come back to school in a week. Without antibiotics, they're asked to stay away for twenty-one days.

West Middlesex Schools and the Health Department are offering free whooping cough vaccines at the schools on Wednesday November 19th, and again Monday the 24th.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends kids ages 11 and older get a booster shot for pertussis. For more information on the pertussis vaccine, visit:www.cdc.gov

 

[Shiloh]

Re: West Middlesex, Pa.: Whooping vough outbreak

Source: http://www.sharonherald.com/local/local_story_324221324.html

West Middlesex whooping cough outbreak spreads; students vaccinated


By Patrick W. Connelly
Herald Staff Writer

WEST MIDDLESEX, SHENANGO TOWNSHIP ?

Add four more students to the tally of those in West Middlesex hit with the contagious whooping cough that?s plagued the school district.

The students tested positive for pertussis, joining 16 of their classmates who already have the cough, according to Superintendent Alan Baldarelli. The state Department of Health and school nurses confirmed the latest cases, he said.

?They are having those students treated and we?re moving forward,? he added.

Pending incubation results could still confirm more possible cases, Baldarelli said.

In-school vaccinations began Wednesday in conjunction with the state Department of Health for students potentially exposed to the cough.

They will be offered again from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Monday in the high school and from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday in Luther Low Elementary school.

Vaccinations and an informational session for parents will also be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday in the commons area of the high school.

The cough spread from one student to about 3 percent of the elementary school?s 600 students.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a disease of the lungs and chest caused by bacteria found in the nose, mouth and throat. Symptoms begin with what appears to be a common cold five to 10 days after exposure and they progress to coughing spells that may end with a whooping sound or vomiting.

Students showing symptoms of the disease?s early stages were sent home last week by the district?s staff, Baldarelli said.

The superintendent said the majority of those students are back in school and the number of those absent has been reduced.

The state classified it as an outbreak because of the number of students who contracted the cough, the Department of Health?s Stacy Kriediman said. The agency steps in during situations like West Middlesex?s to stop outbreaks from turning into epidemics, she said.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: West Middlesex, Pa.: Whooping vough outbreak

Source: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/sto...x?guid={A15C4A3E-2269-4FEE-8BB6-991353643089}

Pennsylvania State Health Department Conducts Pertussis Immunization Clinic in Mercer County

Last update: 3:53 p.m. EST Nov. 25, 2008
HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov 25, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Outbreak in West Middlesex Area School District Sickens 32
In response to a pertussis outbreak in the West Middlesex Area School District, the Pennsylvania Department of Health held vaccination clinics at Luther Low Elementary School and West Middlesex Junior/Senior High School on Nov. 19 and Nov. 24.
The tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine was given to approximately 560 parents, students, and staff after an outbreak of pertussis sickened 32 people at the elementary school.
Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, is spread through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. It begins with cold symptoms and a cough that becomes much worse over 1-2 weeks. Symptoms usually include a long series of coughs (coughing fits) followed by a whooping noise, vomiting, or breathing problems. The cough is usually worse at night.
"Pertussis is a very serious disease - particularly for young children - but it can be prevented," said Health Deputy Secretary Michael Huff. "It is important to immunize your children on schedule to protect them and curb the spread of the disease. Adults and older children can also receive a pertussis vaccination booster that could reduce the likelihood of spreading the disease."
The new combination vaccine, containing tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap), is available for adolescents and adults, ages 10-64 years. Tdap should be given as a one-time dose in place of a tetanus booster.
For more information on pertussis and all immunizations, visit www.health.state.pa.us or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

CONTACT:
Stacy Kriedeman
(717) 787-1783




SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

 

[Shiloh]

Re: West Middlesex, Pa.: Whooping vough outbreak

Source: http://www.sharonherald.com/local/local_story_331203346.html

Local whooping cough outbreak sickens 32
Published November 26, 2008 08:33 pm

Herald staff

WEST MIDDLESEX ?

The whooping cough outbreak in West Middlesex Area School District sickened 32 people at the elementary school, the state Department of Health reported this week.

Herald staff

WEST MIDDLESEX ?

The whooping cough outbreak in West Middlesex Area School District sickened 32 people at the elementary school, the state Department of Health reported this week.

Previous reports from the school and the department indicated 20 students had whooping cough, or pertussis. Approximately 560 parents, students, and staff were innoculated by the department with the tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine last week at district schools.

Pertussis is spread through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. It begins with cold symptoms and a cough that becomes much worse. Symptoms usually include a long series of coughs followed by a whooping noise, vomiting, or breathing problems. The cough is usually worse at night.

Deputy Health Secretary Michael Huff said it is important to immunize children against the disease and the combination vaccine administered last week for adults and older children can reduce the likelihood of spreading the disease.

For more information on pertussis and all immunizations, visit www.health.state.pa.us or call 1-877-724-3258.