Officials at Rockford Public Schools has confirmed a case of pertussis, or whooping cough, at RESA Middle School.

A letter has been sent home to families which encourages parents to look for symptoms of the illness, which include:

- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Low-grade fever
- Cough; if untreated, gradually becomes severe and increases at night; vomiting may occur

 

Transmission of pertussis can be greatly reduced using the following strategies:
- Frequent hand washing, especially after coughing and sneezing
- Covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Disposing of used tissues properly

 

Pertussis is treatable with antibiotics. It is caused by a bacterium that lives in the mouth, nose and throat. The germ is highly contagious and can be easily spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing.

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To learn more about Pertussis, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or contact the Winnebago County Health Department at 815-720-4000.

This isn't the first time that pertussis has popped up in Rockord schools. Last fall, two cases were found at Rolling Green and Swan Hillman. In February there was a case at Carlson Elementary. Experts say whooping cough and measles are making a comeback due to the growing number of parents who won't vaccinate their children.

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