JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Jamestown Public Schools says two cases of pertussis, also called whooping cough, have been reported at Jamestown High School.
The school district made the announcement on its website, saying the Chautauqua County Health & Human Services Department notified the school about this.
The district says it is working with the Chautauqua County Health & Human Services Department, the New York State Department of Health and with local health care provides to ensure that families of students affected have been notified. It is also ensuring that preventive measures are being taken so the disease does not spread any further.
“There has been an uptick in flu cases not only in the district but across New York State,” said Jill Muntz, Jamestown Public School District nurse practitioner. “We are finding that there is a type of influenza that is not included in the vaccination.
“Please understand that it is still important to still get the flu vaccine because we find it shortens the duration of the flu and protects at-risk populations, however, there are cases where you may still get it. It is very important that people who have flu symptoms go to their health care provider as soon as possible for potential treatment as antiviral drugs can shorten the illness and make the symptoms milder.”
The school district is telling parents to pay close attention to their child's respiratory symptoms because symptoms of pertussis can first appear like a mild cold. Anyone who has a persistent cough or flu-like symptoms should stay home from work or school and be evaluated by a doctor.
For more information about pertussis click here.
For more information about how to prevent the flu click here.