Whooping Cough Diagnosed

Immunizations are expected to be administered today to as many as 90 students at Eastwood Elementary School following a confirmed case of whopping cough at the Sturgis Public Schools building.

The fifth-grade student was diagnosed with whooping cough last week, prompting county health officials to review health records of students at the school. About 90 were found to be in need of immunization or immunization booster shots, district officials said.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Health Agency is prepared to administer the shots, though the wishes of parents who signed waivers opposing the measure will be respected.

Agency officials said they planned the immunizations because fifth-grade students in the school travel from classroom to classroom, increasing the risk of exposure to the student with the condition.