Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease known for uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe. A person with pertussis can spread the disease when coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others.

Pertussis generally is treated with antibiotics and early treatment is important. The infected people in our schools have been treated successfully and cleared for return to school by their doctors, and letters about the illness went home to families of children in those schools.

Usually pertussis begins with cold-like symptoms that can include a mild cough or low-grade fever. After one or two weeks the cough becomes worse and people may experience coughing fits that may be followed by vomiting, difficulty breathing and fatigue. The cough is often worse at night and it may not be relieved with cough medicine. Coughing fits can last many weeks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the best way to prevent pertussis among infants, children, teens, and adults is to get vaccinated. Also, keep infants and other people at high risk for pertussis complications away from infected people.

In the United States, the recommended pertussis vaccine for infants and children up to age 7 is called DTaP. The pertussis booster vaccine for older children, adolescents and adults is called Tdap. Both vaccines provide protection against three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.

The recommended vaccine for children entering prekindergarten and kindergarten is three doses of DTaP. For students entering the sixth grade, a mandated Tdap booster is required by New York state. A single dose of Tdap is recommended for children aged 7 to 10 who did not complete the three-dose series, children aged 11 to 18 and adults 19 and older if they have not received a dose already. 

The mission of the City School District of Albany is to educate and nurture all students to be responsible citizens, critical thinkers and lifelong learners to successfully compete in the global community by providing an academically rigorous and safe environment in partnership with parents, students and the community. The district serves about 8,600 students in 15 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.