An announcement was sent to parents of PSJA schools students Tuesday afternoon informing them a case of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, was identified in the school district
The letter stated some children and staff members may have been exposed to the disease at Bowie Elementary and Alamo Middle Schools.
In the notice, the district advises parents with children who have been in contact with someone with whooping cough to visit their doctor.
School officials also asked parents to be aware of pertussis' symptoms, which initially are similar to the common cold with a mild cough.
As the disease progresses, symptoms may include violent, repeated coughing, difficulty breathing, even vomiting, and the characteristic whoop caused by forced inhaling.
Pertussis is highly contagious and is transmitted person-to-person by coughing or sneezing.
The district recommends parents not send their children to school if they showed signs of pertussis.
If cases of whooping cough are confirmed in other schools, parents will be notified immediately.
These letters will be sent out by the campus nurse only if the Hidalgo County Health Department advises the school of potential cases.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call your child’s school nurse or the health department at (956) 354-2016
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