Three more cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have been confirmed in area schools, including one in each of Broadalbin-Perth's two buildings and one at Glebe Street Elementary School in Johnstown.
The latest cases bring the total to four in area schools; three weeks ago, a single case was confirmed at Fonda-Fultonville Central School.
Both the Broadalbin-Perth and Johnstown school districts have posted information about pertussis from the state Department of Health on their websites and have sent letters home to parents.
Broadalbin-Perth District Superintendent Stephen Tomlinson issued a statement saying healthy children do not have to be kept home from school.
"If your child is healthy, there is no need to keep them home from school," Tomlinson said. "The students who have been diagnosed with pertussis are being treated at home and will not be in school for the duration of their illness. That being said, if your child displays any of the symptoms of whooping cough, please keep them home from school and contact your child's school nurse as soon as possible."
According to the New York State Department of Health, pertussis is a "highly contagious bacterial infection that causes an uncontrollable, violent cough lasting several weeks or even months. It is caused by a bacterium that is found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person. Pertussis may begin with cold-like symptoms or a dry cough that progress to episodes of severe coughing.
Older children, adults and very young infants may not display the whooping noise, according to a release from the Health Department. "There is generally only a slight fever. Other symptoms of pertussis include vomiting, turning blue or difficulty breathing. The cough is often worse at night, and cough medicines usually do not help alleviate the cough."
The state Health Department has issued the following recommendations concerning pertussis:
Infants under one year old, especially those under six months, are most likely to have severe symptoms if they develop pertussis. When possible, young infants should be kept away from people with a cough. Infants with any coughing illness should be seen promptly by their doctor.
Some children seven years and older have recently been given a vaccine called T-dap, which may give them additional protection.
If your child comes down with cold symptoms that include a cough, talk to your child's doctor without delay. Tell the doctor that pertussis has been diagnosed at your child's school.
Even if a child's shots are up to date, he or she may still be able to catch pertussis, Tomlinson's release said.
Parents who suspect their child has been in contact with someone with pertussis should contact their family physician, Tomlinson said in the release. Antibiotics may prevent the child from becoming ill. If the child is already sick, giving antibiotics early can help shorten the duration of the illness and lessen the changes of the disease being spread to others, the release said.
Anyone with questions or concerns should call the Fulton County Public Health Department at 736-5720 or the Montgomery County Public Health Department at 853-3531 during weekday business hours.
John R. Becker can be reached at montco@leaderherald.com.