Parents/Guardians:

In the interest of transparency, we’re sharing that the Orange County Department of Health  advised us today, April 16, that two weeks ago, a high school student was treated for a confirmed case of pertussis (whooping cough).

Pertussis can occur at any age, and older children/adults may have milder symptoms for a shorter amount of time especially those who have been vaccinated for whooping cough and therefore may not know that they have pertussis. The Orange County DOH reminds us that anyone with a persistent cough (all ages) should be evaluated for pertussis.

Pertussis is transmitted by direct or close contact with respiratory droplets (ex: sneezing, coughing, laughing, sharing breathing space). Symptoms start 4-21 days after being exposed to someone with pertussis. Early symptoms mimic a cold such as a runny nose, low-grade fever, and a mild, occasional cough.  Within two weeks, the cough becomes more severe and is characterized by spasmodic coughing episodes/fits that are sometimes followed by a long inspiratory whooping sound which is made from trying to get air in after the coughing.

Please consider this an opportunity to review with your child’s health care provider the status of your child’s immunizations. Your child’s doctor remains the best source for guidance and counsel. Thank you.

To learn more:
CDC information on pertussis (whooping cough)