SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A case of whooping cough has been reported at Lincoln High School.
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In an email letter sent to all Lincoln families the Sioux Falls School District said: “We have been notified by the Department of Health that a person at Lincoln High School has been diagnosed with pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis is a contagious illness that is spread through the air by respiratory droplets. It can be a serious disease especially for infants, children, elderly and those who are immune compromised.”
As of Nov. 12, there were 170 confirmed cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in the state, according to the South Dakota Department of Health’s infectious disease dashboard. The five-year average is 33 cases.
From January through September there were 70 cases, which is a 415 percent increase, compared to the five year average. According to the Department of Health website, the illness is most common kids and young adults.
The letter also asks that parents watch for any signs or symptoms including a cough illness, especially if the cough has lasted greater than two weeks. Initially, symptoms resemble a common cold, including sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough.