Two Pertussis Cases Confirmed in Lindale ISD

LINDALE — Two cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, have been reported in students attending classes in the Lindale Independent School District. According to a school district statement, the LISD was notified recently by officials with the Northeast Texas Public Health District in regards to the first case. The student attends College Street Elementary School. Parents of students at the campus received a notification letter explaining the diagnosis and received recommendations for treatment and prevention. The district was notified with regards to the second case after the end of the school day on Friday, September 28. The student attends Lindale’s Early Childhood Center. Notification letters are on their way to parents.

According to the statement, “The Lindale Independent School District is taking every precaution to prevent the spread of this infection. Classrooms and school buses are sanitized daily. Parents and guardians of students at the affected campuses will receive instructions concerning prevention. The safety and health of the students educated in our schools is our top priority.”

“We are taking this situation very seriously,” LISD Superintendent Stan Surratt said. “The health and safety of our children is our number one concern as we work to keep parents informed and educated concerning pertussis. Our staff is taking extra steps to clean and sterilize classrooms, bathrooms and water fountains.”

The school district statement continues, “The Lindale ISD is working closely with officials at the Northeast Texas Public Health District. If parents or guardians seek possible treatment for pertussis, they should tell the child’s doctor that pertussis has been reported in the school district. Please report possible pertussis infections to the school nurse and the Northeast Texas Public Health District at 903-535-0030.”