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Salt Lake Health Department warns of increase in whooping cough cases at Murray school



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(KUTV) The Salt Lake County Health Department is warning parents and students of an increase in pertussis, also called whooping cough, cases at the American International School of Utah in Murray.

In a letter sent to parents and staff Tuesday, the Health Department said the transmission is now considered "school-wide."

Any student who has a cough is being asked to stay home and see a doctor for testing and treatment.

The Health Department also recommended the following:

  1. Watch for signs and symptoms of pertussis. Symptoms may include runny nose, fever, and severe cough that lasts for weeks or months. Pertussis is spread by contact with the respiratory secretions (i.e. sneezing, coughing and runny nose) of an infected person.

  2. Anyone with symptoms must contact their healthcare provider immediately; make sure the provider is aware of the pertussis exposure.

  3. Do not come to school while you are ill; if prescribed by your healthcare provider, do not return to school until you have finished 5 days of antibiotic treatment.

  4. For individuals who are not vaccinated, consider getting vaccinated. Vaccine information is included in this letter, but please contact us if you have questions. Contact your healthcare provider, or the Salt Lake Health Department at (385) 468-7468, to make an appointment for the vaccine.


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