A case of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has been confirmed in the Washington School District. Superintendent Willie Stone sent out a notice saying that there have been confirmed cases of whooping cough at Stewart, Lincoln and the middle school.

Pertussis is an infection that affects airways and is spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. Symptoms begin like a cold with a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough. According to Washington County Public Health, that cough will last for a week or two and then slowly get worse with uncontrolled coughing spells and a whooping noise in young children when the person inhales. During the coughing incidents, a person may vomit or become blue in the face due to a lack of air. Pertussis can be very dangerous for infants and people with lung problems or weakened immune systems.

Nurse Lynn Fisher with Washington County Public Health says if your child shows symptoms then they should be evaluated by a health care provider for pertussis. She also recommends that you make sure your family’s vaccinations are up to date because basic protection against whooping cough is provided by childhood vaccinations. The protection may decrease over time and the CDC recommends those 11 years of age or older get a booster shot. Pertussis vaccines can be sought at health care providers and Washington County Public Health.