Livonia, N.Y.—Livingston County has seen 35 cases of whooping cough since the beginning of the years according to its health department.
Most of the cases have occurred since April 25th and most are in school aged children (10-19) according to Joan Ellison, Livingston County Public Health Director.
“It is primarily spread by direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat of infected individuals,” said Ellison in a June 4th letter to parents.
The cough causes fever and at times severe and rapid coughing episodes.
“I’m a little concerned since we’ve gotten so many letters (from the health department) about whooping cough,” said Christine Hardy, a mother of one Livonia student.
Livonia has 23 confirmed cases of whooping cough according to Superintendent Scott Bischoping.
“It concerns parents, it concerns us from a safety standpoint, but it also interrupts greatly some of the end of the year typical activities that take place,” added Bischoping.
Bischoping said extra cleaning measures have been taken and many students afflicted have or are being treated by antibiotics. Educators worry that those sick may miss state exams scheduled for next week.
After five days of antibiotic treatments, students are being allowed back into schools.
Health officials urge those with children in the classes of students with whooping cough to have their kids evaluated for the disease.
