Whooping cough detected in Bristol schools, acting superintendent and health officials alert public

Whooping cough has been identified in Bristol schools, it was announced by Acting Superintendent Iris White in a message sent via the parent portal Thursday, Sept. 12.

White shares this information that is dated the same day in a letter from Bristol-Burlington Health District officials to “members of the Bristol community.” A link to the letter is provided in White’s post along with fact sheet about pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

“Pertussis (also known as whooping cough) has been identified in Bristol schools,” writes BBHD director of health Marco Palmeri and co-signer BBHD public health nurse Kristina Tanguey.

“While pertussis is a vaccine preventable disease, cases have been increasing statewide and throughout much of the country,” they write. “According to the CT Department of Public Health, approximately 70 percent of CT cases this year have been in adolescents.”

Pertussis is easily spread from person to person through the air, they write. Symptoms include “a runny or stuff nose, red watery eyes, low grade fever (less than 100.4 degrees), and mild, occasional cough.” Later symptoms include severe coughing fits. The symptom last from one to two weeks.

If a person experiences symptoms, a call to a healthcare provider is recommended. In addition, a call to a healthcare provider is recommended for any exposed individuals who meet one or more of the following high-risk criteria:

Persons not fully vaccinated against pertussis
Immunocompromised individuals
Individuals with chronic respiratory illness
Pregnant people.

“If you or a family member develops symptoms compatible with pertussis, it is important to contact a healthcare provided immediately,” the letter concludes. “It is also a good idea to make sure everyone is up to date with their vaccines to protect against pertussis and other vaccine preventable diseases.”

Links to the letter and fact sheets are provided below.

For further information, both White and Palmeri encourage reaching out to a healthcare provider or the Connecticut Department of Public Health Immunization Program at (860) 509-7929.