The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) has reported two cases of Whooping Cough in Anderson School District One schools. Wren Middle and Wren High School each have one reported case, according to SCDHEC reports.
Whooping Cough is contagious and affects the nose, throat, windpipe and lungs.
It is spread by coughing or sneezing and people who contract the illness are prone to coughing fits that could lead to vomiting. It can also cause infants to stop breathing. Pregnant women, babies and peopel with lung conditions or weakened immunesystems are particulatly susceptible to the illness, according to DHEC officials.
DHEC advises parents who suspect someone in their home may be infected to contact health-care providers about starting antibiotics.
Anyone suspected of having whooping couch should stay home and away from sports, school, work, church and other public gatherings until after being treated for at least five days with appropriate antibiotics.
Schools must be advised that a student is being treated for whooping cough before the child can return to classes.
For additional information or concerns, contact DHEC’s Anderson Public Health Epidemiology office at 864-260-5801.
Anderson School District One has the SCDHEC letters posted on their website which can be accessed from the school news category on The Journal website at www.maryland.cochranfirmcriminaldefense.com.
