Belgrade Students May Have Been Exposed to Whooping Cough

The Belgrade School District sent parents a letter on Monday, alerting them that the health department is investigating a possible case of pertussis, whooping cough, in a Middle School student.

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that poses severe health risks for infants and young students, and those with compromised immune systems.

In the school district's letter, they warn that in the past couple of weeks some students may have been exposed to whooping cough while at school. If your child, someone your child lives with, or someone your child spends a lot of time fits any of the following descriptions:

• Babies less than 12 months of age
• Pregnant women
• Persons with moderate to severe asthma
• Persons with weakened immune systems (cancer patients, organ transplants, etc.)
• Healthcare providers if they provide direct care to pregnant women, infants under 12 months, immune compromised patients)
• Persons with COPD/emphysema/chronic bronchitis/lung cancer/cystic fibrosis

the distric is asking you to contact the health department before Friday at 406.582.3100. Also, if your children develops a cough, runny nose, or fever, they are encouraging you to contact your medical provider.