Six recent cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, have been reported at Carrboro and Mary Scroggs elementary schools.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory system characterized by severe coughing spells. When the person inhales after coughing, a “whooping” sound is emitted. Other symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose and a low-grad fever. Babies and pregnant women are most particularly at risk. Generally after one to two weeks, a minor cough will advance to heavy coughing spells lasting a minute or more.
The Orange County Health Department urges you to contact your doctor if you are concerned your child has whooping cough.