Two cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, have been reported at Jamestown High School.
The school district learned of the diagnoses from the Chautauqua County Health and Human Services Department, and they are working together along with the state health department and area healthcare providers to make sure affected student families are notified.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pertussis is highly contagious, can make breathing difficult and can be very serious, particularly for very young children, and can even cause death.
The school district tells parents to pay close attention to their child's respiratory symptoms because symptoms of pertussis can first appear like a mild cold, but later are followed by severe coughing fits.
Anyone who has a persistent cough or flu-like symptoms should stay home and be evaluated by a doctor.
