ODESSA, Texas — There have been two cases of lab confirmed pertussis, also known as whooping cough, at Odessa High School, according to a release from the Ector County Independent School District Nursing and Health Services Friday.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by bacteria and can spread through coughing or sneezing.
NewsWest 9 reached out to the district directly and they said they were notified Friday afternoon of the report.
Below is the full release:
"Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are writing to inform you that were two cases of lab confirmed pertussis (whooping cough) has been reported at Odessa High School. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by bacteria, and it can spread through coughing or sneezing. Symptoms typically begin as a mild cough, which can develop into severe coughing fits. In some cases, pertussis can lead to serious complications, especially in infants and young children.
Key Information About Pertussis:
- Symptoms: Early symptoms include a runny nose, mild cough, and mild fever. As the illness progresses, it may lead to severe coughing fits, which can be followed by a "whooping" sound.
- Transmission: Pertussis spreads easily through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Incubation Period: Symptoms generally appear 5 to 10 days after exposure, but it can take longer for the cough to develop.
What You Should Do:
- Monitor Your Child: Watch for signs of pertussis, particularly a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or a “whooping” sound after coughing.
- Seek Medical Attention: If your child develops symptoms, especially a persistent cough, we recommend seeking medical advice promptly. Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics if caught early.
- Vaccination: Ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date. Pertussis is preventable with the DTaP vaccine for children and the Tdap vaccine for older children and adults.
What We Are Doing:
- We are working closely with health authorities to monitor and manage the situation.
- We are following recommended cleaning and sanitization protocols to minimize the risk of further transmission.
Important: If your child is diagnosed with pertussis, please inform us immediately so we can take further steps to protect others. Children with pertussis should stay home from school or daycare until they have completed five days of prescribed antibiotics or as directed by a healthcare provider.
We understand this news may cause concern, but please know that the health and safety of our students are our top priority. Attached is more information from the Centers of Disease Control about Pertussis. For questions or concerns, please reach out to your campus nurse. This information is also included as an attachment. For questions or concerns, please reach out to your campus nurse.
Centers for Disease Control - Pertussis Information" - Ector County Independent School District Nursing and Health Services