District now has three cases of whooping cough

The Bigfork School District has three confirmed cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, as of Wednesday morning.

A staff member and two kids have been diagnosed with whooping cough, Superintendent Cynthia Clary said.

The first case was discovered last Thursday, Dec. 2, and an alert message and a letter was sent out to parents.

The district is focusing on sanitation and hygiene to contain the spread.

"We're continuing to be diligent with cleaning," Clary said. "We're encouraging staff to encourage students on a daily basis to follow hygiene protocol."

In light of the cases, the district also opened up the school for the Flathead City-County Health Department to offer a vaccination on Tuesday. Approximately 78 people, including both children and adults, received the vaccine.

Highly contagious, pertussis is an upper respiratory infection that worsens from a common cold to a severe cough in the span of two weeks. The cough can lead to vomiting and loss of consciousness. It can be treated, when identified early, with antibiotics.

Those who suspect symptoms of pertussis or who want more information should call the health department at 751-8110 or a health care provider.