Highland Local School District in Medina County reports 'probable cases' of whooping cough

MEDINA COUNTY, Ohio — The Highland Local School District says it has been informed by the Medina County Health Department that there are probable cases of whooping cough circulating in the district.

According to a district spokesperson, several of its students are direct contacts through non-school-age siblings who have tested positive for whooping cough.

The Ohio Department of Health says whooping cough, or pertussis, "is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis."  ODH experts say whooping cough "begins as a mild upper respiratory infection. Initially, symptoms resemble those of a common cold, including sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever, and a mild cough. Within two weeks, the cough becomes more severe and is characterized by episodes of numerous rapid coughs followed by a crowing or high-pitched whoop."

Additionally, a person can transmit pertussis "from the onset of symptoms to three weeks after the onset of coughing episodes. The period of communicability can be reduced to five days after appropriate antibiotic therapy is begun," the ODH notes.

Highland school officials advise that if a student exhibits symptoms of whooping cough, "parents are urged to contact their primary healthcare physician or the Medina County Health Department."

You can read more about whooping cough from the ODH below. 

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