WAYNE COUNTY – The Wayne County Health Department confirmed Friday a case of pertussis (whooping cough) from a student at Meadow Lane Elementary School. Health Department staff have worked closely with school officials to identify students and staff who may have been in close contact with the affected individual.
As part of the County’s routine response, letters have been sent home to all Meadow Lane Elementary parents to raise awareness. Separate notifications have been provided to families of children identified as close contacts.
Pertussis is a contagious respiratory illness that spreads through coughing or sneezing. It often begins with cold-like symptoms and can progress to a severe, persistent cough that may include coughing fits, vomiting, or a distinctive “whooping” sound. While anyone can get pertussis, it can be especially serious for infants, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
At this time, there is no broad risk to the school community. Only those identified as close contacts are considered at higher risk.
Vaccination remains the best protection against pertussis. Children should be up to date on the DTaP vaccine, and older children, adults, and pregnant women are encouraged to receive the Tdap booster, as immunity can decrease over time.
“Our goal in sharing this information is not to alarm, but to inform,” said Suzanne LeDoyen, Health Director for the Wayne County Health Department. “Pertussis cases are on the rise across the United States, and awareness is key to prevention. By taking simple precautions—like staying up to date on vaccinations and watching for symptoms—we can help protect our most vulnerable residents.”
Cases of pertussis are reported each year in North Carolina, and national trends show an increase in infections this year. The Wayne County Health Department will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
For more information, visit the CDC’s pertussis page at https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/ or the North Carolina fact sheet at https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/lhds/manuals/cd/pertussis/English_NCPertussisFactsheet.pdf.
