Joint Statement from Tyler ISD and Northeast Texas Public Health District:
TYLER (KYTX) - A second Tyler ISD student has been diagnosed with Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough. The student is a fifth grader at Andy Woods Elementary School, and school officials have notified parents whose students may have come in contact with this student. To protect from the spread of the illness, students who are diagnosed with whooping cough must remain out of school until they complete five days of antibiotic therapy and are fever free for at least 24 hours.
"The best way to prevent Pertussis (whooping cough) among infants, children, teens, and adults is to get vaccinated. Many young children get whooping cough from adults or older brothers or sisters who don't know they have the disease." says Dr. Jonathan MacClements, Smith County Health Authority.
NET Health encourages parents to make sure that not only their children are vaccinated, but that adults also receive their Tdap vaccination.
Tyler ISD is taking extra precautions, reviewing student vaccination records and working closely with the Northeast Texas Public Health District to protect the health of students.
For more information on Pertussis, DTaP and Tdap vaccinations, please visit the NET Health website at www.healthyeasttx.org or call 903-595-1350.
