Pertussis disease alert, vaccination clinic set for Thursday

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DURANGO, Colo. – Durango School District 9-R supports the San Juan Basin Health Department’s recommendation that all students and staff in the district get a pertussis vaccination as soon as possible. The district was notified that a Riverview Elementary School student was diagnosed with pertussis, also known as whooping cough. The student is now receiving medical attention and is not in school. 

Pertussis is a contagious illness spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs and another person breathes in the bacteria. As a safety precaution, San Juan Basin Health has organized a vaccination clinic Thursday, Jan. 15, 5 to 7 p.m. at 281 Sawyer Drive, Durango. Vaccinations will be provided at the clinic for a donation of $14.70, but a donation is not required.

Pertussis begins with a cough that progressively becomes more severe until the person develops coughing fits. In between coughing fits, the person may look and feel fine.  Vomiting, breathlessness, a change in facial color, and/or whooping sound may follow the coughing fits. It may result in hospitalization, seizures, long-term neurological problems, even death. 

For information, visit www.durangoschools.org.

 

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