Health officials cautioned against regarding the reports — including one adult in Franklin and an out-of-county student at a Mason school — as a health emergency.
“Are we paying attention to it? Absolutely,” Shelly Norton, public information officer for the Warren County Health District, said Wednesday.
RELATED: 3 more whooping cough cases at Springboro High
The Springboro school district posted a letter Tuesday to its website alerting parents and guardians to the additional cases of pertussis.
“Springboro Schools is monitoring these reported illnesses. Based on the time of year, students have been encouraged to practice good health hygiene, which includes hand-washing, staying at home if ill, and keeping common surfaces regularly cleaned,” the letter said.
“The district will continue to follow protocol, working with the Warren County Health Dept., and take all the necessary precautions at Springboro High School, as well as throughout the district.”
Last week, the district confirmed there was one case at the high school.
Whooping cough is a potentially life-threatening childhood illness that all but disappeared in the 1940s after a vaccine was developed. In recent decades, the illness has made a comeback, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Primary reasons for the resurgence of the illness are a weakening of immunity in adults as they have aged, combined with a growing population of unvaccinated children, according to experts.
“We get cases every year,” Dianna Glenn, director of nursing for the Warren County health department, said.
MORE: Fairfield student diagnosed with whooping cough
Glenn said it was important to educate the public to encourage vaccination.
In addition, Glenn said people need to understand that an adult with a persistent cough, possibly signaling pertussis, could pass it on to young children with potentially fatal results.
“We want parents to be aware,” Glenn said.
The department recommends parents and guardians monitor children for prolonged coughing and possibly consult a physician.
RELATED: Season’s 1st whooping cough case reported at Springboro High
The illness begins with cold symptoms (runny nose, mild cough, low-grade fever, sneezing). Within several days, the cough becomes more severe and can be characterized by episodes of numerous rapid coughs, followed by a crowing or high pitched “whoop.”
For further information, contact the Warren County Health Department at 513-695-2097.
Staff Writer Wayne Baker contributed to this report.
PERTUSSIS PRIMER
What causes pertussis?
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is caused by a bacterium, Bordetella pertussis
How does pertussis spread?
Pertussis is spread through the air by infectious droplets and is highly contagious
How serious is pertussis?
Pertussis can be a very serious disease, especially for infants. Infants (6 months of age and younger) are the children most likely to die from the disease
How do I know if my child has pertussis?
The diagnosis of pertussis is usually made based on its characteristic history and physical examination. A laboratory test may be done, which involves taking a specimen from the back of the patient’s throat (through the nose).
What are the symptoms of pertussis?
It is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria. Pertussis is spread by direct contact with fluids from the nose or throat of the infected individuals. The illness begins with cold symptoms (runny nose, mild cough, low grade fever, sneezing). Within several days, the cough becomes more severe and can be characterized by episodes of numerous rapid coughs, followed by a crowing or high-pitched “whoop.”
Source: Warren County Health District
About the Author
