More Cases of Pertussis Found at East High School

The West Chester Area School District has confirmed another outbreak of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in one of its schools, this time at East High School.

It is considered an "outbreak" when two cases of a disease has been confirmed by health authorites. 

Below is a letter by Superintendant Dr. Jim Scanlon to parents about the outbreak.

Dear West Chester East Parents and Guardians,

We were informed by the Chester County Health Department that a second case of Pertussis (also known as Whooping Cough) was confirmed at West Chester East HS.  When two or more case are epidemiologically linked at one location, it is considered to be an “outbreak” at that site.

It is important to note that when an outbreak occurs, students, faculty, and staff who are not up to date with the Pertussis immunizations will not be allowed to attend school.  Proof of Immunization must be varied by the start of school on Wednesday, February 22, 2012.

You will be contacted by the school if we need documentation for the Tdap.  If contacted please check with your physician if you do not have any documentation for your child’s Tdap.

Here are the facts as we know them:

• An East HS student was confirmed as having Pertussis.  The incubation period appears to be February 9 to February 16.
• The student does not ride a bus, so the Health Department is treating this as an incident affecting just East HS and does not believe it crosses over to Fugett.
• We are notifying Fugett staff and parents so they are aware.
• Our records show that approximately 242 students at East High School do not have documentation of a vaccination on file.
• By the end f the day Tuesday, February 21, we have to report to the Health Department the number of people NOT vaccinated.  If a clinic is then needed to be set up at the school, we will coordinate with the Health Department.

For any parent who wants to have a child vaccinated, the Chester County Health Department offers free vaccinations for children under the age of 18 on the following days:

o   Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 4pm

o   Wednesdays from 11 am to 6pm

It is essential that you bring a copy of your child’s immunization records.  The Tdap is also available free of charge for adults.

Immuniztions provide a high degree of protection for children and adults.  I encourage you to contact your physician if you or your child develops any symptoms of Pertussis.

For a fact sheet about Pertussis, please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/fast-facts.html or the Chester County Health Department at www.chesco.org/health.

Thanks for everyone’s cooperation as we work through a lengthy cold and flu season.

Dr. Jim Scanlon

Superintendent

West Chester Area School District