MINNETONKA, Minn — The Minnetonka Public Schools are warning parents about cases of pertussis - also known as whooping cough - diagnosed in multiple buildings across the district.
In a letter to families and staffers, district Director of Health Services Annie Lumbar Bendson says multiple students have come down with whooping cough at Minnetonka High School and West Middle School in recent days, adding that "isolated" cases have been diagnosed at Excelsior and Clear Spring Elementary.
The district did not specify how many students have been diagnosed.
"We have provided notifications to families at the schools that have been impacted but wanted to be sure to provide a message to the greater school community so that you may be aware of signs and symptoms of pertussis," Bendson wrote. "It is important to note that most of these cases were diagnosed in students who were fully immunized. While routine vaccinations do help to protect against pertussis, they are not foolproof. They can, however, reduce the severity and length of illness."
Pertussis is spread by coughing or sneezing. District policy is to have students stay out of school for five days until antibiotics can knock down the bacterial infection.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) says pertussis is highly contagious and has the potential to develop into a serious bacterial illness. It begins with a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough and potentially low-grade fever. After 1 or 2 weeks, the cough can worsen and begins to occur in sudden, uncontrollable bursts.
These coughing attacks can end in vomiting and make a high-pitched whooping noise, hence the commonly used name for pertussis. MDH says the cough can last up to three months.
There have been 73 cases of pertussis statewide as of May 23, according to MDH, including an outbreak just last month at Minnetonka High School.
Danielle Ryan, a public information officer for MDH, says the department is working with school nursing staff and local public health workers to help prevent the spread.
"Anyone who has had direct exposure to someone with pertussis and who is experiencing pertussis-like symptoms should stay home from activities and school until they have been tested for pertussis and completed at least 5 days of an appropriate antibiotic therapy," Ryan said. "People should make sure they are up to date on vaccinations because they can lessen symptoms. Testing is advised for people with cough illness longer than 7 days, and any cough illness if they have had direct exposure to a case."
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