Pertussis Notification
September 18, 2026
Date: 9/18/26
Dear Parent or Guardian,
This letter is to inform you that a student has been diagnosed with pertussis at HERSCHER HIGH SCHOOL, commonly known as whooping cough. Because your child may have been exposed, we want to provide you with important information about the signs of this illness and the steps you should take to protect your family.
What is Pertussis?
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. While it can cause serious illness in people of any age, it is especially dangerous and potentially life-threatening for infants under one year old.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms usually appear 5 to 10 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days to develop. The illness typically progresses in two stages:
Early Stage (First 1–2 weeks): Looks like a common cold, including a runny nose, sneezing, a low-grade fever, and a mild, occasional cough.
Later Stage: The cough worsens into severe, rapid coughing spells. After a coughing fit, children may make a high-pitched "whooping" sound when trying to catch their breath or they may vomit.
Note: Vaccinated children, teens, and adults may not develop the classic "whoop," but can still have a persistent, nagging cough and spread the bacteria to others.
Recommended Actions for Parents
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Monitor Your Child: Watch your child closely for any cold symptoms or coughing over the next three weeks.
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See a Doctor if Symptoms Develop: If your child develops a cough or cold symptoms, keep them home and have them evaluated by a healthcare provider immediately. Tell the doctor that your child was exposed to pertussis.
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Strict School Exclusion Rules: In compliance with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidelines, any student suspected or confirmed to have pertussis must be excluded from school and all extracurricular activities until they have completed 5 full days of the appropriate antibiotic treatment. If antibiotics are not taken, the child must stay home for 21 days after the cough began.
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The student who has tested positive has been excluded in accordance with IDPH guidelines.
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Protect High-Risk Individuals: If your child was exposed and lives with a pregnant woman, an infant under 12 months, or anyone with a weakened immune system, contact your doctor immediately. Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics may be recommended for your child even if they are not coughing.
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Check Immunization Records: Ensure your child is up-to-date on their pertussis vaccines (DTaP for younger children, Tdap boosters for adolescents and adults). Review your family's status or consult your provider.
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Please notify the school nurse immediately if your child is diagnosed with pertussis or is being evaluated for a persistent cough.
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If you have any questions, please contact the high school at 815-426-2103 or the Kankakee County Health Department at 815-802-9400.
Sincerely,
Herscher Community Unit School District
Emily Vollmer BSN RN
District RN