Officials with the Orange County Health Department in North Carolina confirmed an outbreak of pertussis, or whooping cough, among several individuals at two local Chapel Hill high schools, according to a report from ABC 11.
Health department officials identified pertussis cases at Chapel Hill High School and East Chapel Hill High. OCHD has not disclosed the exact number of individuals affected in the outbreak. The sickened individuals began displaying symptoms last week and have since been isolated.
"Anyone can get pertussis, but it can be very dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems," Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart said Tuesday. "Family members with pertussis, especially mothers, can spread the virus to newborns. Unvaccinated persons are especially susceptible. Make sure your family's vaccinations are up-to-date."
Pertussis causes violent coughing, which can persist for weeks or months. The bacterial illness is spread by person-to-person contact. Infants, young children and the elderly are at the highest risk for complications.
To learn more about pertussis, click here.
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