BY KAREN BOSSICK

Several Blaine County School students have been diagnosed with pertussis, or whooping cough.

The disease is a serious one and highly contagious, according to the South Central Public Health District.

Symptoms include a persistent, often uncontrollable violent cough that usually occurs in explosive bursts that end with a high-pitched whoop. Occasionally, vomiting accompanies the cough.

Breathing can be difficult.

Coughing attacks continue for four to six weeks..

Though death from pertussis is rare, there is that possibility, especially in babies less than a year of age. Pertussis is frequently complicated by pneumonia and ear infections, particularly in infants.

Health officials advise people to stay at home and consult their doctor for diagnosis and treatment if they or their children have symptoms. Though the Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis vaccine cuts the risk, they are not a guarantee that one will not get the whooping cough.

Protection from the vaccine may decline throughout a person’s life and older children and adults may develop the disease even if they have been vaccinated.

Infected persons are contagious from the early coughing stage to three weeks after the beginning of coughing fits.

For more information, call Christi Dawson-Skuza at 208-737-5904.

The Blaine County School District is monitoring the health of students and staff and custodians are taking extra precautions to mitigate the spread of germs.