Belmont High School’s Health and Nursing Services Department advised parents on Wednesday that a case of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has been reported at the high school.
Pertussis is a respiratory illness that “usually begins with cold-like symptoms, with a runny nose, sneezing, and a dry cough,” according to the advisory sent to families on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
“After two weeks of experiencing cold-like symptoms, the cough gradually worsens,” the advisory states. “The next stage, which may last from four to six weeks, may be marked by coughing spells that are uncontrollable and may be followed by vomiting.”
According to a clinical advisory from the state’s Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Science, by August 2024, pertussis cases in Massachusetts had almost reached pre-pandemic levels, at 252 probable and confirmed cases.
The bacteria that cause pertussis can spread through coughing, sneezing, and close contact, such as talking. Contact with tissues or sharing cups with people with pertussis can also cause the disease to spread, according to the advisory.
“The first symptoms usually appear 7 to 10 days after a person is exposed, although sometimes people do not get sick for up to 21 days after their last exposure,” the advisory stated.
A culture or blood test is the only way to confirm infection. The advisory urges parents to keep an eye on their children for any symptoms that may develop in the next two weeks, and to make an appointment with a health care provider for testing if symptoms arise. Five days of antibiotic treatment are required for infected students before they can return to school.
The advisory also encourages parents to consider getting their children vaccinated against the disease with the booster Tdap vaccine, which is available for teenagers and adults and protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Even students who were vaccinated against pertussis by the Tdap vaccine in childhood may still be susceptible to pertussis, due to the effects of the vaccine wearing off over time.
The Voice was unable to reach the Board of Health for comment by the time of publication.
