A confirmed case of whooping cough has been reported at Coronado High School, potentially exposing students to the contagious respiratory disease, the Southern Nevada Health District announced. A person at the Henderson school has been diagnosed with pertussis, also known as whooping cough, prompting public health officials to urge parents and guardians to monitor their children for symptoms.
In a statement obtained by FOX5 Vegas, the health district revealed that exposure may have occurred between September 15 and October 8, and they emphasized the importance of immediate action to protect the health of students and the larger community. They advised that anyone with a cough or cold symptoms, especially among those who been in proximity to the high school during this period, should notify their healthcare provider about potential exposure to pertussis.
Additional precautionary measures were recommended for children with underlying health conditions that could make them more susceptible to infection. Meanwhile, the district also advised families to make sure all members are up-to-date with their immunizations, particularly the DTaP or Tdap vaccines, which protect against whooping cough.
According to more details from News3LV, the health district is strongly recommending parents whose children have weakened immune systems or are vulnerable for other reasons to consult their healthcare provider for further preventive steps. Further assistance can be sought by contacting the Acute Communicable Disease Control Program at the Southern Nevada Health District at 702-759-1300 for any questions or concerns regarding pertussis.
Healthcare providers who suspect a child may be suffering from pertussis are also encouraged to contact the SNHD Acute Communicable Disease Control to report the case.
