A student at Chief Sealth International High School in West Seattle has tested positive for whooping cough, and public health officials say classmates and staff may have been exposed during the first week of June. The student was in class while contagious from Tuesday, June 1, through Thursday, June 3, and families were urged to watch for cough and other symptoms. The warning lands just as the school year wraps up, a tense time for households with young infants or immunocompromised family members who may be weighing extra precautions.
According to FOX 13 Seattle, Public Health – Seattle & King County notified Chief Sealth families by letter that the student was contagious while attending classes. The letter advised anyone who develops a cough to stay home and call ahead before visiting a healthcare provider. Officials stressed that early evaluation matters because whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics, which help cut down the chance of spreading the illness when started promptly.
Symptoms, treatment and who's at risk
Whooping cough often starts out looking like a common cold, with symptoms such as a runny nose, a low‑grade fever and a mild cough, then can escalate into severe coughing fits that may drag on for weeks. The CDC reports that symptoms usually appear 5 to 21 days after exposure and that antibiotics, when begun early, can shorten how long someone remains contagious. Infants under one year of age and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of serious complications, including pneumonia and episodes where breathing briefly stops, known as apnea.
Statewide context
The Washington State Department of Health has reported a sharp rise in pertussis in 2024, noting more than 2,200 confirmed and probable cases last year, and is urging communities across the state to stay alert. Guidance from the Washington State Department of Health notes that annual case counts have historically ranged from about 184 to 1,026 and emphasizes vaccination as the most effective protection against severe illness. The agency encourages anyone who cares for infants to double‑check that their own and their household members' immunizations are current.
How families should respond
Public health officials advise that anyone who develops a cough should stay home and call ahead before going to a clinic so providers can limit exposure to others. The CDC recommends that people who are pregnant receive a Tdap booster during each pregnancy and notes that under‑immunized contacts may be offered antibiotics or vaccination after an exposure. Families who are unsure about vaccine status or worried about possible exposure are encouraged to contact their medical provider or local health department for personalized guidance.
School and health officials shared the whooping cough notice by letter with Chief Sealth families, according to FOX 13 Seattle. Anyone with questions about potential exposure can reach out to their healthcare provider or to Public Health – Seattle & King County for local instructions and next steps.
