YORK, PA (WPMT) There has been an outbreak of Pertussis, commonly known as Whooping Cough, in York City. The city’s health bureau says there are three confirmed cases in a small group of students at St. Patrick Catholic School. The number pending test results of other children.
Pertussis or Whooping Cough is a respiratory infection characterized by prolonged cough or cough with paroxysms, whoop, or post-tussive gagging/vomiting. The Pertussis bacteria are spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. Fever may or may not be present.
Children with a cough thought to be pertussis should not go to school or other public activities until being evaluated by their doctor. A laboratory test can be ordered by the doctor and a prescription for an appropriate antibiotic given in order to clear the infection. In many cases, family members may also need to be treated since secondary infections within households are common.
Childhood immunizations for Pertussis are routine and required for school attendance. However, immunity from some vaccines wane with time and leave some children susceptible. Booster vaccines for Pertussis may also be part of the treatment plan for both the child with Pertussis as well as household members and other close contacts.
