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Fourth case of "Whooping Cough" reported in Fayette County schools

Stock image of a medical examination
pixabay.com
Stock image of a medical examination

Fayette County Schools have reported another case of highly contagious Whooping cough.

A case of pertussis, or whooping cough, has been confirmed at Lafayette High School.

This is the fourth case of the respiratory illness in Lexington since late April. The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is investigating to see if there is a possible connection in the cases.

Health officials continue to work with Fayette County Public Schools to make caregivers aware of the threat of pertussis.

Whooping Cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness spread by coughing and sneezing. It affects people of all ages but can be most serious in infants and those with chronic diseases. More information can be found at www.LFCHD.org/pertussis.

Health officials say any school-age children with symptoms of pertussis should stay home from school and visit their health care provider for evaluation, even if they have previously been vaccinated.

If they have probable or confirmed pertussis, they should remain out of school until completion of their medication.

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Stan Ingold is WEKU's News Director. He has worked in public broadcasting for 18 years, starting at Morehead State Public Radio before spending the past 10 years at Alabama Public Radio. Stan has been honored with numerous journalism awards for his public radio reporting.
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