A Liberty Middle School student has tested positive for pertussis. The last day the student was in school was Dec. 3, 2024. The district has notified the Sullivan County Department of Health of students who are at risk of exposure. DOH will be notifying families impacted. The district has also notified staff and teachers of the possible exposure.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial lung infection most severe for babies, those with autoimmune diseases and/or those who are not vaccinated against the infection.

Those who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for pertussis are encouraged to see their doctor. Symptoms of pertussis begin as a common cold, such as runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever or a mild occasional cough. Late symptoms include a cough that gets more severe with coughing fits that can be followed by a high-pitched whoop.

The infection is contagious as soon as symptoms appear and up to three weeks after. Those treated with the appropriate antibiotic will not be contagious after the full five days of treatment.

Staff and students are encouraged to take measures to help prevent the spread of respiratory infections, such as frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer, sneezing into a tissue or an elbow if a tissue isn’t available, and not touching their face and nose.

For more information on pertussis, please visit the New York State Department of Health website.