School officials at Pleasant Valley have confirmed a case of pertussis or whooping cough at the high school. Here's what to look for and what you can do.

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Pertussis affects the airways of the infected and is easily spread by coughing or sneezing. In severe cases, the cough can last for weeks or months. Anyone can catch the infection.

    If your child has a cough

  • Make a doctor's appointment as soon as possible and inform your physician that them have been exposed to pertussis.
  • Keep them home until your doctor gives them the O.K.
  • If they have pertussis, keep them home and on antibiotics for five days.
  • After 21 days of coughing, they are no longer contagious. But during those three weeks they are very contagious.

Signs of whooping cough will stick around for 21 days, make sure to keep an eye out and call your healthcare provider if your student starts coughing.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Scott County Health Department Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 by calling 563-326-8618 and ask for Ann Jepson, RN, ext. 8878, Lashon Moore, ARNP, ext. 8544 or Roma Taylor RN, BSN ext. 8826.

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