Superintendent: Whooping Cough Strikes East Lyme Schools

East Lyme Superintendent James Lombardo sent out a letter today to parents informing them that there have been confirmed cases of pertussis - which is commonly referred to as the whooping cough - in Flanders School and East Lyme High School.

Pertussis is caused by a bacterium and is spread through the air, according to a fact sheet provided by Lombardo. The incubation period of pertussis is generally between seven to 10 days, with a range of four to 21 days, according to the fact sheet.

The fact sheet described pertussis as a "very serious disease, especially for infants." Children, particularly infant children, can die from pertussis, according to the fact sheet. 

Lombardo encouraged parents to contact their health care provider if their child shows any signs of pertussis. For more information on pertussis and to see Lombardo's letter, click here.