Whooping cough suspected in Highland Local School District

Justin Dennis
·2 min read

MEDINA, Ohio (WJW) — There are probable cases of whooping cough circulating in the Highland Local School District, according to a Thursday notice from the district.

Non-school-age children who have tested positive for whooping cough are the siblings of district students, according to the notice.

The district is now directing parents to a fact sheet about the illness and urging parents whose students are showing symptoms of the illness to contact a doctor or the Medina County Health Department.

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What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria, according to information provided by the Ohio Department of Health.

Symptoms are initially similar to a common cold and include sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough, according to ODH. Within two weeks, the cough becomes more severe and may be heard in a series of rapid coughs followed by a “crowing or a high-pitched whoop.” The cough may produce a thick, clear mucus.

A person who has contracted whooping cough is contagious for about three weeks after the onset of the coughing episodes. That can be cut down to five days with antibiotics, which can also ease the symptoms.

Most cases occur in children younger than 5, but the number of cases in adolescents and adults is increasing, “probably due to waning of vaccine immunity,” according to ODH.

Young infants are at the greatest risk for complications, which could include pneumonia or seizures, according to ODH. Other less-serious complications are ear infections, loss of appetite and dehydration.

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Is there a vaccine for whooping cough?

Immunization is the best defense against whooping cough, according to ODH.

There are two vaccines that prevent whooping cough, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • The diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine, or DTaP vaccine, administered to children younger than 7

  • The tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine, or TDaP vaccine, given to older children and adults

The first vaccine, which is five doses, is recommended to be administered between 2 months and 4 to 6 years of age, according to the CDC.

The second vaccine is recommended at about 11 or 12 years of age.

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