SCS reports cases of “Whooping Cough”

Clarion Top News

Wednesday, 20 November 2024 11:32

Scottsboro Board of Education has recently announced cases of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in both Scottsboro High School and Collins Intermediate School, confirmed by the Alabama Department of Pubic Health.
To better educate the community, the Alabama Department of Public Health has made the following information available:

What is pertussis disease?
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacteria respiratory disease.
Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe.
After coughing fits, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths, which result in a “whooping” sound. Pertussis can affect people of all ages, but can be very serious, even deadly, for babies less than a year old.
Pertussis is a highly contagious disease and can affect up to 80% of household contacts.
If a child is diagnosed with pertussis, the child should not attend school or day care until after they have received antibiotics.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of pertussis usually develop within five to ten days after you are exposed, but may not develop for as long as three weeks.
The first week or two, early symptoms may include subtle onset of runny nose, low grade fever, sneezing, mild to occasional coughing, apnea or stopped/paused breathing when asleep.
After one to two weeks, symptoms may include fits of many, rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched “whooping” sound, throwing up during or after coughing fits, or tiredness after coughing fits.

How does pertussis spread?
Pertussis is spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing, spending a lot of time near one another and sharing breathing space.
Some babies may also get pertussis from older siblings, parents, or caregivers who might not even know they have the disease.
The best prevention for pertussis is vaccine, but no vaccine is 100% effective.

Where can I find more information?
For more information, talk to your doctor, or your local county health department or e-mail the Alabama Department of Public Health, Immunization Division, at
immunization@adph.state.al.us