Letter To Parents
Dear Graves County High School Families,
The Graves County Health Department has notified us of another confirmed case of pertussis, or “whooping cough,” in our school. Public health and school officials are working together to protect the health and safety of all students and staff.
If your student exhibits any of the symptoms listed below, please have them evaluated by their primary care provider before sending them to school. Pertussis is highly contagious and is seeing a resurgence, even in highly vaccinated populations.
About Pertussis
Pertussis is a bacterial disease that spreads easily through airborne particles. Symptoms often begin like a common cold but can progress to:
- Persistent coughing lasting weeks or months.
- Paroxysms—rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits, often followed by a “whooping” sound.
- Coughing fits that may lead to vomiting, difficulty breathing, or turning blue.
Close contact, such as holding a baby or spending extended time in shared breathing spaces, can facilitate the spread.
Prevention and Monitoring
Vaccination is the best defense against pertussis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends pertussis vaccination for all age groups. Symptoms typically appear 5–10 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days. Exposed individuals should monitor for symptoms for 21 days, regardless of vaccination status, and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms occur.
High-Risk Groups
The Kentucky Department of Public Health advises immediate consultation and possible antibiotic treatment for those at high risk of severe illness, including:
- Infants under 12 months.
- Pregnant women in their third trimester.
- Individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
- Those in close contact with the groups mentioned above.
Additional Information
For more details, visit:
If you have questions, contact your healthcare provider, the Graves County Health Department at 270-247-3553, or the Regional Epidemiology Office at 502-384-6438. School administrators will continue to work closely with public health officials to keep you informed.
Sincerely,
Lisa J. Oetjen, APRN, FNP-C
Graves County District Health Coordinator
