LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has confirmed a case of pertussis at Lafayette High School, marking Lexington's fourth since late April. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has confirmed a new case of pertussis at Lafayette High School

  • It marks Lexington's fourth case since late April 

  • The department said it's investigating to see if there is a connection between the cases

  • Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory illness disease spread by coughing and sneezing

The department said it's investigating to see if there is a connection between the cases and is working with Fayette County Public Schools to make caregivers aware of the disease's threat.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory illness disease spread by coughing and sneezing. It can be most serious in infants and those with chronic diseases, but can affect anyone.

The department said it recommends high-risk students exposed to pertussis take preventive antibiotics. This includes students with a chronic illness or weakened immune system and those who live with a family member with a chronic illness or weakened immune system, an infant or a pregnant woman.

School-age children with symptoms of pertussis should stay home and visit their health care provider for evaluation even if they've already been vaccinated, the health department said. If they have probable or confirmed pertussis, they should stay out of school until completion of their antibiotics. 

Early symptoms are similar to a common cold, the department said, such as a runny nose, sneezing, a low-grade fever and coughing. The cough may get worse after one or two weeks, changing from a dry cough to bursts of uncontrollable coughing. It may be impossible to take a breath during a coughing episode because of the intensity and repetition of the coughs, the department added. Vomiting and/or exhaustion may follow coughing spells. 

School-age children are required to have the vaccine against pertussis. The department said it recommends those 11 and older to take one dose of the booster vaccine, Tdap. Teenagers and adults who have not received the booster should check with their primary care provider or call the health department at 859-288-2437 Monday through Thursday to check availability. 

More information on the disease can be found by calling the department or visiting its website.

Related Stories

-

Facebook Twitter