CHITTENANGO CENTRAL SCHOOL
Michael A. Schiedo, Superintendent
Chittenango Central Schools Office of the Superintendent of Schools
1732 Fyler Road
Chittenango, New York 13037
Telephone: (315) 687-2840
Fax No.: (315) 687-2841
December 13, 2011
Dear Parents/Guardians:
The Madison County Health Department has requested that parents of students attending Chittenango Middle School be informed of a confirmed case of pertussis (whooping cough) at the middle school. This correspondence will provide additional information about pertussis and recommendations from the New York State Department of Health pertaining to individuals who might have been exposed. Pertussis is a contagious disease that is spread through the air by air droplets expelled with a cough or by direct contact with the droplets. Pertussis begins with mild upper respiratory cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose, low grade fever and a cough which becomes much worse over a one to two week period. Symptoms usually include a long series of coughs followed by a whooping noise. Older children, adults and very young infants may not develop the whooping noise. People with pertussis may have a series of coughs followed by vomiting, turning blue, or difficulty catching breath. The cough is often worse at night, and cough medicines usually do not help alleviate the cough.
If your child has been in contact with someone with pertussis, antibiotics may prevent him or her from becoming ill. If your child is already sick, giving antibiotics early can help your child get well faster and lower the chances of spreading the disease to others. You should watch for symptoms over the next several weeks.
Please consider the following New York State Department of Health recommendations, especially if you have younger children at home:
- If your child comes down with cold symptoms that include a cough, talk to your child’s doctor without delay. Tell the doctor that a confirmed pertussis case has occurred in the Chittenango Middle School.
- Infants under one year old, especially those less than 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.
- Children under seven (7) years old that have not had at least five (5) doses of DTaP/DTP are at risk for getting the disease. Children between ages 11-18 years old who have not had a TdaP are also at risk for getting the disease. If you have children who have not been completely immunized against pertussis (particularly infants under one year), it is recommended you talk to your child’s doctor about the benefits of vaccination.
The Tdap vaccine is a mandatory requirement for entrance into sixth grade. Parents may choose to get the vaccine sooner than sixth grade. If you have further concerns or questions, you may want to contact your doctor or the Madison County Health Department at 366-2848 and ask for Gina Relyea or Cheryl Geiler.
Sincerely,
Michael A. Schiedo
MAS/kaq Superintendent of Schools
