The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) has informed Taylor ISD nurses that we have two confirmed and "possible other" cases of pertussis or "whooping cough" which have been reported, according to Taylor ISD Lead Nurse Sally Naivar.

"Whooping Cough" 

According to Naivar, the whopping cough concern is spread throughout the district and the county. Notes have been sent out to the families through each of the impacted schools and the Health Department has been made aware of the growing numbers.

Naivar's letter to parents cites that pertussis is very contagious and is spread through the air by coughing.  While pertussis is usually milder in older children and adults, it has reportedly caused serious problems for children less than 1 year of age.  Williamson County is currently experiencing a large number of pertussis cases.

Pertussis symtoms appear 5-21 days after infection and may begin like a cold, with a runny nose, sneezing, mild fever and cough.  After 1-2 weeks, the cough gets worse and usually starts occcurring as strong coughing fits.  It can last six weeks or more.  The cough is often worse at night and cough medicines provide little relief.

If your child/children have been prescribed antibiotics for suspected or confirmed pertussis, please keep them home until 5 full days of antibiotics have been completed.