A third laboratory-confirmed case of pertussis has beenidentified in Kittitas County, according to a news release fromKittitas County Public Health Department.

In addition to the three laboratory-confirmed cases, there arefive cases with known exposure and cough lasting more than twoweeks, the release said. all but one of the cases are associatedwith Thorp School District.

Thorp School District Superintendent Jim Hainer decided tocancel school today as a precaution. Thursday night’s Christmasprogram was also canceled.

“We had a new confirmed case in the middle of the week andbecause it’s our last day, after consulting with the healthdepartment, it made sense to close today,” Hainer said thismorning.

Hainer said the Christmas program will likely be rescheduledsometime in January because the kids worked so hard on it. Schoolwill reopen after winter break on Monday, Jan. 3.

Morgan Middle School

The most recent suspected case is in Ellensburg, not Thorp.according to the release, a student at Morgan Middle School issymptomatic and is being tested for pertussis.

The best way to prevent pertussis is by vaccination, accordingto the health department. Children should have five doses of DTaPvaccine, plus a booster dose of Tdap just before entering sixthgrade. both DTaP and Tdap vaccines protect against tetanus,diphtheria, and pertussis. Adults through age 64 can replace onetetanus booster dose with a Tdap.

The Tdap for adults can be given earlier than the 10-year markrecommended between tetanus boosters. Consult your health careprovider for information.

The health department held Tdap vaccination clinics in allmiddle and high schools in the county this week. Whileparticipation was less than expected, 52 students were vaccinated,the release said.

Call your health care provider immediately if you are concernedthat you or a family member has pertussis.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of pertussis include:

• Cold-like symptoms, followed by a persistent cough. Thepersistent cough occurs in explosive bursts that may end invomiting or gagging.
• In adolescents and adults, pertussis may cause only mildcold-like symptoms (runny nose, mild cough, low-grade fever,sneezing) or it may appear as repeated violent coughs followed by ahigh pitched “whoop.”
• In some adolescents and adults, the symptom may only be apersistent cough, often worse at night. between bursts of coughing,patients may appear well.

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