New case of whooping cough in Leander

CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) - A second case of pertussis , also known as whooping cough, was confirmed at Vista Ridge High School in Leander. The school district confirmed the first case on October 26.

A letter was sent home to parents of Vista Ridge High School students on Wednesday.

The Leander Independent School District said state law requires them to send the letter to parents.

Pertussis spreads easily. The bacteria become airborne when an infected person sneezes, coughs or even laughs. Pertussis mainly impacts infants younger than 6-months-old before they are adequately protected by immunizations and kids 11- to 18-years-old whose immune system has faded.

Health officials said the best way to protect you and your children against whooping cough is to get vaccinated. Pertussis symptoms appear 5-21 days after infection. The first symptoms are similar to those of a common cold: runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, low-grade fever. After one to two weeks, the cough gets worse and lasts for weeks.

Pertussis is generally mild for older children and adults but can be very serious for children under one year. 

Health officials have issued the following recommendations.

-If your child comes down with symptoms that include a cough, talk to a doctor without delay.  Inform the doctor that there has been pertussis identified in your child's school.

-As much as possible, young infants should be kept away from people with a cough.  Infants with a coughing illness should be evaluated by a doctor.

-If you have children who have not been completely immunized against pertussis or a chld with a weakened immune system, be especially alert for symptoms.

-If your child has been prescribed antibiotics for suspected or confirmed pertussis, please keep them home until 5 full days of antibiotics have been completed as they may continue to be contagious.