MILLBURN, NJ — Patricia O’Gorman, Lead Nurse for the Millburn School District, has issued a cautionary statement regarding the occurrence of several confirmed cases of pertussis (whooping cough) within the township. O’Gorman noted that some staff members have family members who have tested positive for the infection.
Explaining the nature of pertussis, O’Gorman stated, “Pertussis is a bacterial infection highly contagious and spread through droplets produced during coughing or sneezing. These droplets don’t travel very far through the air and usually only infect persons nearby.”
She outlined the symptoms as follows:
Coughing, violently and rapidly, until all the air has left the lungs and a person is forced to inhale, causing a “whooping” sound
Sneezing
Nasal discharge
Fever
Sore, watery eyes
Lips, tongue, and nail beds may turn blue during coughing spells.
Pertussis typically commences with cold symptoms and a cough, which intensifies over one to two weeks.
“While most people have been vaccinated against pertussis, there is some loss of protection after several years. If your child has had a cough for several weeks which is worsening, please ask your healthcare provider to test your child, so they can get the appropriate care,” advised O’Gorman. She emphasized that antibiotics are effective in treating pertussis.
O’Gorman maintains a website where she provides updates on school health matters.
