Prior to the Christmas Break, Hardin County Judge Wayne McDaniel announced a whooping cough “outbreak” after at least 10 case confirmed cases of Pertussis were confirmed by the Hardin County Health Department.
Hardin County Health Director Sharon Whitley reported an outbreak is classified as three different cases from three different households.
Dec. 18, Whitley reported 10 confirmed cases of whooping cough in students. According to Whitley, three Lumberton ISD campuses and one in the West Hardin County CISD school were affected. The Health Department reported specifically three confirmed cases at the Lumberton High School campus, as well as one probable case; there was also one confirmed and three probable cases between the middle and intermediate schools.
Both affected districts are reportedly increasing sanitation procedures across all campuses and following guidance from the health department, according to information provided by health officials.
Lumberton ISD released a statement indicating the Health Department did not consider the cases to be an outbreak. Classes were dismissed Dec. 20 and will resume Monday, Jan. 6.
At West Hardin High School, Whitley reported one confirmed and two probable cases, all three from the same family.
Dec. 18, Silsbee ISD refuted an earlier report on social media of a whooping cough outbreak in the district.
“To remain transparent with our community, we did receive word from the Health Department of a second confirmed case at the elementary campus,” Silsbee ISD reported. “Only a blood lab test can confirm a case.
“While additional cases may emerge, there is no outbreak at this time within Silsbee ISD. As always, we remain committed to prioritizing the health and safety of our students and staff. We sincerely appreciate the support of our community, especially during recent changes to our schedule.”
Silsbee ISD further reported that, due to the high number of illnesses affecting students and staff, classes for Dec. 20 were canceled. The district additionally reported that high school makeup exams are now scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 6 and 7, 2025.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, all students are required to be vaccinated against Pertussis. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that whooping cough “is a very contagious respiratory illness.” Whooping cough may begin like a common cold but, unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months, the CDC advises, and adds that whooping cough bacteria can spread when people spend a lot of time together or share breathing space.
“Symptoms of whooping cough can vary for people based on their age and if they’ve been vaccinated or not,” according to the CDC. “It’s very important to treat whooping cough early, before coughing fits begin. Health care providers generally treat whooping cough with antibiotics. Further treatment in the hospital may be required if symptoms are serious.”