Whooping cough outbreak prompts health warning

On Nov. 22, the CVHS Health Advisory issued a warning statement about a pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak in the community, with multiple cases reported at CVHS. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection. An outbreak is defined as two or more cases of pertussis from different households.

In Alameda County, 130 cases have been reported in 2024, higher than the four cases reported last year. 

According to the CDC, pre-pandemic pertussis trends were about 10,000 cases in the U.S. yearly. However, in the week of Nov. 18, cases were six times higher in 2024 than in 2023 and were higher than cases reported in 2019. 

Before the development of the pertussis vaccine, it was a common cause of mortality and morbidity from 1940 to 1945, with about 175,000 cases in the U.S. yearly. After the implementation of the vaccine, annual cases dropped to fewer than 5,000 by the 1970s. 

“Usually, pertussis has a cyclical peak. For our county, it has cyclical outbreaks,” said Nurse Maricel De Jesus.

Pertussis is preventable through vaccinations, and students usually receive five doses as a child and a DTap vaccine in middle school. However, immunity may wear off over time, making people more susceptible to the disease.

There are many proactive measures students can take to protect themselves from pertussis. 

“Prevention is really important. It’s not just about vaccinations; It’s about handwashing, and it’s about practicing social distancing when symptoms may or may not be present–especially at this time of year,” said health teacher Sue Anderson. 

De Jesus highlights key things about protecting yourself from pertussis. “Screening is key for pertussis: hand hygiene, proactively seeking medical help if you have symptoms, and if you do get tested positive, start antibiotics. The whole household also takes antibiotics if you get pertussis.”

It is important to take care of yourself whether you have pertussis or a cold. “When I take care of my health, I take care of your health,” said Anderson.