Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Wednesday, May 21
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Health»Pertussis cases spike at Eden Prairie High School
    Health

    Pertussis cases spike at Eden Prairie High School

    EPLN Staff ReportsBy EPLN Staff ReportsDecember 19, 20242 Mins Read
    Whooping cough is a respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Dan Higgins

    Eden Prairie High School informed families on Dec. 18 about several reported cases of pertussis, also called whooping cough, among students.

    In the message, Jaysen Anderson, the school’s principal, told families that the “Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) encourages you and your child to monitor for symptoms and be evaluated by a healthcare provider if you have a cough lasting longer than seven days.”

    According to the MDH, pertussis can be a serious bacterial illness and generally begins with a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and possibly a low-grade fever. After one or two weeks, the cough worsens and begins to occur in sudden, uncontrollable bursts. These coughing attacks can end in vomiting and/or in a high-pitched whooping noise, though older children and adults may have a less typical “whooping cough.” Coughing attacks often happen at night and can continue for up to three months.

    The MDH advises that people with pertussis should not go to school, work, or any activities until they have finished five days of antibiotic treatment. The exception is if they have already been coughing for three or more weeks, at which point they are no longer contagious.

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    “If you or your child have a cough and have had contact with someone with pertussis, or you have been coughing for seven days or longer, MDH encourages you to discuss pertussis with your healthcare provider,” Anderson said.

    While most children have been vaccinated for pertussis, protection can decrease over time. People who have completed some or all of the recommended vaccinations for pertussis may still become ill with a milder case of whooping cough.

    It is possible to check an individual’s pertussis vaccination status through online immunization records or via one’s healthcare provider.

    Anderson encouraged families to learn more about pertussis on the MDH website. He noted that questions can be directed to the school nurse, Caroline Schwieters, at Caroline_Schwieters@edenpr.k12.mn.us or 952-975-8074, or to the MDH by calling 1-877-676-5414.

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleDwivedy granted leave of absence from Eden Prairie School Board
    Next Article New food, old Vikings memories at 2024 wild game dinner

    More to READ

    4 Mins Read

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025
    7 Mins Read

    The power of the pause – and saying no

    May 19, 2025
    2 Mins Read

    Campus Honor Roll

    May 17, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025

    Shakopee man charged in Eden Prairie sexual assault of 15-year-old girl

    May 21, 2025

    EPHS synchronized swim team advances to state meet

    May 20, 2025

    Minnesota legislative session ends, still with a long to-do list

    May 20, 2025

    Former Eden Prairie man sentenced for posting nude images of woman online without her consent

    May 20, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.