The Cherokee County Health Department confirms a case of whooping cough at Baxter Springs High School.

 

The illness was confirmed this week and made known to residents via a letter to parents of students in USD 508. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is spread through coughing or sneezing.

 

Symptoms typically appear within 21 days of exposure and may begin with cold-like symptoms. These early signs are often followed, within one to two weeks, by severe coughing fits that can persist for weeks or even months. During these coughing spells, young children may gag, gasp, or experience difficulty breathing, often making a high-pitched "whooping" sound. Vomiting or extreme fatigue can follow these episodes.

 

Vaccination remains the best protection against pertussis, with D-TaP for children and T-dap for adolescents and adults. Making sure vaccinations are up to date can help prevent the spread of this illness, especially among older adults, pregnant women, and infants.