Officials confirm case of Whooping Cough at Showell Elementary School

BERLIN, Md. – Normally this time of year parents are worried about their kids getting the cold or the flu but the whooping cough may be making a comeback. On Thursday school officials say they have one confirmed case of Whooping Cough at Showell Elementary School. They add that they have sent notices out to every parent at the school. Health officials say whooping cough can be spread to others by direct or close contact with the infected person, and it could be contagious for as long as 2 to 3 weeks after symptoms begin if left untreated.

“It does have other symptoms including a runny nose a low grade fever but the biggest symptom is the cough. It’s very dangerous especially in children under the age of one, it is a vaccine preventable disease, so children are vaccinated for it, but the vaccines usually aren’t complete until their five,” said Debra Stevens, Director of Community Health for the Worcester County Health Department.

Stevens adds that if your child is showing any of the symptoms of whooping cough you should see your child care provider immediately to be tested.