SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) — Whooping Cough has been identified in a few students at South Dakota State University.
In an email to students and faculty, the South Dakota Department of Health said they found “a few cases” at the school. They did not provide an exact number.
According to the DOH, pertussis is a bacterial infection that spreads through respiratory droplets, primarily when a person coughs. It can be a serious disease, especially for infants, children and the elderly. The pertussis vaccine (Tdap) is usually given to children after age 11, then boosters are recommended every 10 years. Individuals not fully immunized are most at risk for contracting pertussis.
Students are being advised to monitor their symptoms and check their vaccination status.
