Fifteen cases of whooping cough have been reported recently in Brookline, officials said.
A positive case was identified at Brookline High School on June 5, along with an additional case at the Runkle School, according to a statement by the town’s public health and human services director, Sigalle Reiss, and public schools superintendent, Linus J. Guillory Jr.
As of Thursday, 15 cases have been identified, officials said.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that can spread easily and can cause serious illness in very young children and infants. The first sign of symptoms appear about 7 to 10 days after a person is exposed, officials said.
Initial symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough, followed by strong, uncontrolled coughing spells where the person makes a “whooping” sound when they inhale. The symptoms can last up to six to 10 weeks, and antibiotic treatment is generally recommended, officials said.
“At this time, we feel that the public health risk is low, however with the school year ending, we feel it is important to update the community about the situation and steps our residents can take to avoid exposure to Pertussis and other illnesses,” Reiss said.
Nationally, whooping cough cases have surged. During the first five months of the year, about 5,000 cases were reported, more than twice as many as the same period last year.
In Brookline, officials also urged residents to make sure they and their children are up to date on their vaccines. Those who may have been exposed to someone with pertussis and develop symptoms should be tested for it, officials said.
“This situation continues to evolve and the Town of Brookline will continue to monitor cases and contacts as additional information is identified,” officials said.
Emily Sweeney can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @emilysweeney and on Instagram @emilysweeney22.
Rachel Carter is a health and wellness expert dedicated to helping readers lead healthier lives. With a background in nutrition, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
