Earlier today, a letter was sent in error to all parents at South Lakes High School indicating that their student had a close contact with an ill person (with pertussis) and that the student should see a healthcare provider for preventive medication as soon as possible.  The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) has clarified that there have been NO IDENTIFIED close contacts at South Lakes High School at this time.  

 Please see the information below regarding general points of awareness and prevention for pertussis.  Again, this is informational only and no other immediate actions are required at this time for families of South Lakes High School. 

 If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Fairfax County Health Department Communicable Disease Section at 703-246-2433.

 

August 14, 2024

The Fairfax Health District is experiencing an increase in pertussis illness, which is also known as “whooping cough.” An increase is also occurring across Virginia and nationwide.

What is pertussis?

Pertussis is an illness caused by bacteria. It is spread from person to person through the air. When an ill person coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets are released in the air that other people can breathe in. It spreads more easily when people spend a lot of time together or share breathing space.

At first, pertussis can seem like a common cold. Symptoms can include:

• Runny or stuffed-up nose
• Low fever
• Mild cough.

These symptoms can last 1 to 2 weeks. Then, people may develop coughing fits (paroxysms) which can last weeks to months. During these fits, people may:

• Make a high-pitched “whoop” sound when they breathe in after a coughing fit
• Vomit during or after coughing fits
• Feel tired after the fit, but seem well in-between fits
• Have trouble sleeping at night
• Struggle to breathe
• Fracture (break) a rib from coughing too hard.

Babies may not have a cough at all but instead gasp for air or have pauses in breathing (apnea) which is life-threatening. Apnea can cause the baby to turn blue. About 1 in 3 babies younger than 1 year old who get whooping cough need care in the hospital.

Others who are at higher risk for getting very sick include people with weakened immune systems and those with moderate or severe asthma.

How can I prevent getting pertussis?

The best way to avoid whooping cough is to get vaccinated. There are two types of vaccines that protect against it: DTaP and Tdap. They also protect against diphtheria and tetanus.

• Children should get five doses of DTaP, including at least one dose on or after their 4th birthday.
• Preteen ages 11 to 12 years should get a booster dose of Tdap before they start 7th grade.
• Adults should get a booster dose of Tdap every 10 years and during every pregnancy.

These vaccines work well, but protection fades over time, so booster doses are needed to ensure you are protected.

How is pertussis treated?

Healthcare providers usually treat whooping cough with antibiotics. It is important to start treatment early to prevent medical complications and to help prevent the spread of disease to others.

How can I protect myself and loved ones?

• Stay up-to-date on vaccines that protect against pertussis .
• Talk to a healthcare provider if you or your child have been around someone with whooping cough. They may give you antibiotics to prevent illness.
• See a healthcare provider if you or your child have coughing fits. Seek immediate care if you or your child has trouble breathing.

Additional information

• Learn more about whooping cough (pertussis) from the CDC.
• Check out required childhood immunizations on our website.
• See when we are hosting back-to-school immunization clinics for the 2024-25 school year.
• Visit our web page and follow us on social media for updates on respiratory illnesses and other health topics.