A recent outbreak of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, has raised concerns among parents, students, and health officials in the Wake County district. The illness is called “whooping cough” because of the high-pitched “whoop” some people make when they inhale after a coughing fit. Wake County Public School Systems (WCPSS) officials have confirmed cases of whooping cough at two schools: Oberlin Magnet Middle School and Leesville Road High School. These cases are part of a broader increase in pertussis infections across North Carolina.
The first confirmed case was reported at Oberlin Magnet Middle School in early March. Following this, WCPSS sent letters to families of students who may have been exposed between February 13 and 18, informing them of the situation and advising them on monitoring for symptoms.
Subsequently, a case was confirmed at Leesville Road High School. The school district has been proactive in notifying parents and guardians about potential exposure and providing information on symptoms and prevention. Parents are encouraged to keep their infected kids at home and notify the school if they are infected with pertussis.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious illness caused by the pertussis bacteria. It spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Early symptoms are a common cold, runny nose, mild fever, and cough, but it can quickly progress into severe coughing that makes it hard to breathe. About a week or two after symptoms settle in, some people have coughing fits that last between one to six weeks, and in some cases 10 weeks.
Although whooping cough can affect people of all ages, it poses a major risk to infants (because their immune system is still in development), young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The illness can lead to seizures, and even death if not properly treated. Doctors say it’s best to treat whooping cough with antibiotics as soon as possible so it does not become serious and/or spread bacteria. Once you start taking the biotics they advise you to keep clear from things that like smoke, dust, and chemical fumes.
As a number of cases rise in North Carolina, health officials and school health services are still monitoring the outbreak closely, and families from both schools are encouraged to be alert and follow health guidance in the meantime.
