Whooping cough cases in local schools

Pertussis or whooping cough is a highly contagious illness caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Early in an infection, the symptoms are very similar to a common cold. One to two weeks after the first symptoms start, people may develop coughing fits. The cough generally gets worse and becomes more common as the illness continues and can cause people to vomit or make a “whoop” sound when breathing in. These coughing fits may continue for several weeks or even months. Many infants with pertussis may not have coughing fits; instead, they may gag, gasp, vomit, stop breathing, or turn blue.
Getting vaccinated against pertussis can reduce the risk of the infection. However, immunized children and adults can still get pertussis. Nonetheless, immunized people may have milder cases and may not present with the classic “whoop” symptom.
Pertussis can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications in infants and young children who are not fully immunized. Infants under one year old are at greatest risk for serious disease and death because their immune systems are still developing. About a third of babies younger than 12 months old with pertussis need treatment in a hospital. Infants, the elderly, people with lung disease (e.g. asthma, emphysema, etc), and those who are immunocompromised are at the highest risk of complications. Pregnant women have a high risk of exposing their newborn to pertussis if they contract the infection during their third trimester.
In 2024, reported cases of pertussis increased across the United States and in Texas. Preliminary data show more than three times as many cases reported this year in Texas as compared to the same time in 2023. We are seeing this trend in San Saba County, too.
The infection is spread by coughing, which puts infectious droplets in the air. If you have a cough or cold symptoms, you should isolate yourself by staying home from school or work and wearing a mask at home to protect your household contacts. Seek attention from your primary care provider, who may want to give you medication to treat pertussis, and who will give you advice on when you can return to school/work.
Early recognition of cases, effective treatment, avoiding exposure, and appropriate vaccination are vital to limiting the spread of pertussis.