School officials say there's three cases of pertussis at Hamilton High School in Sussex

SUSSEX -- Hamilton High School in Sussex is dealing with three cases of pertussis (whooping cough) -- according to a letter sent to parents on Thursday, October 29th.

That letter reads:

"Dear Hamilton High School Parents,

This message is to let you know we have been informed about three cases of pertussis at Hamilton High School. The Waukesha County Health Department has asked us to share the following information with parents of high school students.

Pertussis, sometimes called whooping cough, is usually spread by repeated indoor face-to-face contact or close contact for an hour or more with someone who is sick with the disease. Examples of people likely to catch pertussis are those in the same household, close friends and people in a regular carpool.

Anyone, even those who don’t know they were exposed to pertussis, should see a doctor if they have one or more of the following symptoms:

Some people are at greater risk for serious illness from pertussis. People who have pertussis or have symptoms of pertussis should avoid contact with the following high risk individuals:

People from the high risk categories above who are exposed to pertussis should contact their physician to discuss getting antibiotics to prevent pertussis.

Health department's A-B-Vs of pertussis:

Please see the Wisconsin Division of Public Health “Pertussis Fact Sheet” for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact your doctor or the Waukesha County Public Health Division, Nurse Call Center at (262) 896-8430.

Sincerely,

Candis Mongan

Hamilton High School Principal"

CLICK HERE to learn more about pertussis via the CDC.