Bridle Path Elementary (Credit: North Penn School District)
According to Montgomery County Office of Public Health, the case was reported to the county on Jan. 31
A case of whooping cough, a highly contagious disease also known as pertussis, hit Bridle Path Elementary School in North Penn School District last week, and the individual has since received treatment.
According to Montgomery County Office of Public Health, the case was reported to the county on Jan. 31 and announced this week by the school district.
Pertussis is transferred via air when a person coughs or sneezes.
North Penn School District sent a message out to elementary parents regarding the case.
To protect yourself and others from getting sick, the district says to take action to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, like pertussis:
Avoid close contact with sick people: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Stay home when you are sick: It is important to stay home when sick for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
Cover your coughs and sneezes: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Wash your hands often: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use at least a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth: Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Clean and disinfect: Clean surfaces and objects that are touched frequently, including desks, doorknobs, railings, computer keyboards, phones, and toys.
Staying up to date with your vaccinations: Vaccines help your body create protective antibodies that help it fight off infections. By getting vaccinated, you can protect yourself and avoid spreading preventable diseases to other people in your community.
If you think that your child has been exposed to pertussis or develops cold symptoms that include cough, contact their healthcare provider, the district says.
People with further questions or concerns can contact MCOPH at 610-278-5117 or at MCOPHCommunicable@montgomerycountypa.gov.
