Important Health Notification

Dear Parent or Guardian:
This is to inform you that a person associated with Riverton USD404 has been diagnosed with Pertussis (whooping cough]. Pertussis is an infection that affects the airways, and it can easily spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. Thus, the reason for the Pertussis vaccine. Up-to-date vaccinations for DTap and Tdap will help protect against pertussis.
Symptoms of pertussis develop within 21 days of exposure to pertussis and include cold-like symptoms followed in one to two weeks by coughing fits that can continue to occur for weeks to months. During coughing attacks, young children may gag, gasp, or strain to inhale, making a high-pitched whooping sound. This may be followed by vomiting or exhaustion.

Older adults, babies, and those who are pregnant should be sure their pertussis vaccine "DtaP/Tdap" is up to date.

If you feel you may have symptoms or have been exposed to pertussis you should contact your primary physician or call the Cherokee County Health Department at 620-429-3087.

Stacie Flores BSN, RN
Riverton School Nurse
620-848-3388 ext 151
sflores@usd404.org