Several cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have been confirmed in four students from Greendale High School, according to a notice from the Greendale Health Department.

“The confirmed cases are students at Greendale High School. We may see additional cases at other district schools,” said Greendale School Nurse Kathy Andrzejewski, R.N. in a release fromt he school district.

Pertussis is a contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory tract. Most children are protected against pertussis through their childhood immunization series (DTP/DTap) and Tdap booster. In some cases, even with immunization protection, children and adults can contract pertussis.

“The Greendale Health Department, Village and the District are closely monitoring this situation,” said Todd Michaels, Greendale Village Manager Todd Michaels. 

Greendale Teachers and staff have informed of the symptoms of pertussis and can refer students exhibiting symptoms to the nurse’s office. In addition, all district custodial staff have been instructed to ensure that hand sanitizer is available and common surfaces are disinfected.

Symptoms generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure. If your child is experiencing the following symptoms, you should have them evaluated by a health care provider: 

• Cold-like symptoms with an increasingly persistent cough not helped by cough or cold medicines.
• Coughing spasms
• Bursts of coughs followed with loss of breath or a whoop
• Cough that worsens or wakes the child up at night
• Cough followed by vomiting
• Cough lasting more a week

Your health care provider may test your child for pertussis and begin treatment. Let your provider know if your child has had contact with a known case of pertussis.

For more information, contact the Greendale Health Department at (414) 423-2110 or your health care provider.

“The district is working with the Greendale Health Department to alert parents of the situation and help staff members contain the spread of the contagious disease,” said Superintendent John Tharp. “We are monitoring the situation and will continue to work with the Health Department to ensure that parents and the community remain informed.”