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Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Daily Pertussis Outbreak Statistics & Information (Updated May 24, 2019)

  • Background: Beginning in April of 2019 Orange County experienced an outbreak of pertussis (An outbreak is three or more cases)
  • Current Number of Cases: 9
  • School(s) Affected: Glenwood Elementary 
  • Age Range of Those Affected: 8 to 24 years old.

    LETTER SENT TO GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY FAMILIES.

Pertussis in North Carolina: The state of North Carolina reported 361 cases of whooping cough in 2017, up from 300 cases reported in 2016. In Orange County, the number of cases fell from 14 in 2016 to six in 2017.

Media Inquiries

Media inquiries should be directed to Kristin Prelipp, Communications Manager. You can call her at 919-245-2462 or email Kristin Prelipp.

Pertussis FAQs


What is pertussis?
Pertussis - or whooping cough - is an infection of the respiratory system caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis (or B. pertussis). It's characterized by severe coughing spells that end in a "whooping" sound when the person breathes in.

Who is most at risk for pertussis?
Babies are most at risk for whooping cough. Each year, many babies are hospitalized for whooping cough and some die.

What are the symptoms of pertussis?
The first symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a common cold:

  • Low-grade fever
  • Mild cough
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing

After about 1 to 2 weeks, the dry, irritating cough evolves into coughing spells. During a coughing spell, which can last for more than a minute, the child may turn red or purple. At the end of a spell, the child may make a characteristic whooping sound when breathing in or may vomit. Between spells, the child usually feels well.

How do I protect my baby from pertussis?
Whooping cough shots safely prevent the disease, but, your new baby is too young to get the shot. To protect your baby, make sure that all caretakers and family members are up-to-date on their whooping cough shots. Protection from the disease and the shots wears off. Make sure anyone 10 years of age or older gets a booster shot, called Tdap, at least two weeks before they have contact with your baby.

SyringeWhy is TdaP for new mothers important?
Babies most often catch whooping cough from a family member. By protecting yourself from the disease, you also protect your baby. New parents should ask their doctor for a Tdap shot. You can get it:

  • Before you are pregnant (ideally)
  • During pregnancy
  • After giving birth

If you have not gotten your Tdap shot yet, get one before leaving the hospital with your new baby. It’s safe to get a Tdap shot while breastfeeding. 

How do I get help for my child?
Call the doctor if you think your child has whooping cough. To make a diagnosis, the doctor will take a medical history, do a thorough physical exam, and take nose and throat mucus samples that will be examined and cultured for B. pertussis bacteria. Blood tests and a chest X-ray may also be done.

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