A student at Edison Middle School was sent home due to a confirmed case of whooping cough last week, according to a letter sent to parents.
The letter stated the case occurred between Aug. 27 and 29, and that individuals who might be close contacts or whose children might be close contacts will be called directly by the Brown County Health and Human Services Department. The department confirmed it has have ongoing contact investigations, but did not say whether students or parents have been diagnosed with whooping cough.
There are currently over 35 cases of whooping cough in Brown County, according to deputy health officer Katrina Nordyke. Cases of whooping cough were first confirmed in Brown County in late April.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be treated with antibiotics, according to Mayo Clinic. Its most common symptom is a hacking cough followed by a high-pitched inhale that can sound like a “whoop,” although some people don’t develop the “whoop” inhale. Other symptoms include a runny nose, nasal congestion, fever and red, watery eyes.