Student at local high school diagnosed with whooping cough
Families encouraged to keep students showing signs of pertussis at home
– Atascadero High School notified families on Friday that a student has been diagnosed with pertussis, also known as whooping cough. The announcement included a letter from the Atascadero Unified School District’s Nursing Services department explaining key details about the illness.
According to reports, pertussis often starts with symptoms resembling a common cold and can progress to severe, prolonged coughing fits. Individuals are most contagious during the early stages of the illness and for up to three weeks after severe coughing begins.
While vaccination helps reduce the severity of symptoms, officials noted that vaccinated individuals can still contract the illness. Families were encouraged to keep students showing signs of pertussis at home and consult with their healthcare provider.
Students diagnosed with pertussis are permitted to return to school only after completing five days of antibiotic treatment.
