Pertussis Case Confirmed at GV Middle School

A sixth case of whooping cough has been confirmed in Great Valley School District, this time in the middle school. As in previous cases, superintendent Alan Lonoconus sent parents an email Wednesday explaining the situation (full letter attached to this article):

We learned today that one Great Valley Middle School student has a confirmed case of pertussis, which is also known as whooping cough. That student is currently under a doctor’s care and will not return to school until the doctor provides a note that the student is no longer contagious. However, your child may have been exposed between February 6, 2012 and February 17, 2012.

After multiple cases at Great Valley High School, that school was considered an "outbreak site" and teachers there were required to be vaccinated as students are. Pertussis has also been found recently in West Chester schools.

The Associated Press reported Wednesday that a federal advisory panel is now recommending all adults be immunized against the disease:

Children have been vaccinated against whooping cough since the 1940s, but a vaccine for adolescents and adults was not licensed until 2005.

Since then, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has gradually added groups of adults to its recommendations, including 2010 advice that it be given to elderly people who spend a lot of time around infants.

Wednesday's recommendation means now all adults should get at least one dose.

Pertussis causes coughing fits and can be fatal, especially in infants. Other symptoms can include trouble breathing, turning blue and vomiting.

Chester County Health Services offers free Pertussis vaccinations at its West Chester office:

Pertussis vaccinations  (DTaP and Tdap) are available at walk-in clinics for child and adult immunizations held weekly at the Government Services Center on the following days:

• Tuesdays        9:00am - 4:00pm
• Fridays           9:00am - 4:00pm 
• Wednesdays 11:00am - 6:00pm

Visit our Events Calendar to view all clinic dates. Walk In immunization clinics do not require an appointment unless for a flu shot. Parent or guardian must accompany child and bring along the child's shot records.

For more information, call 610-344-6252.