Washington State University confirmed a case of whooping cough, or pertussis, within the university population in an email sent to students and staff on Tuesday.
Pertussis is especially dangerous to children under one year old, seniors and people who are immunocompromised. It usually starts with cold-like symptoms before progressing to a severe cough that can last for weeks.
Tdap, a pertussis vaccine, is required for WSU students. Students can contact Cougar Health Services online or by phone (509-335-3575) for medical care or to ask about pertussis vaccines and boosters, according to the email.
Students and staff who are feeling sick are asked to stay home, and people on campus who work or live with young children or someone who is pregnant are advised to take extra precautions.
WSU Pullman is in Whitman County where there is a pertussis outbreak. As of Wednesday, there were seven reported pertussis cases in the county, according to Whitman County Public Health. In late July, two pertussis cases were linked to the same source of exposure, ending a three-month non-outbreak status in the county.
People infected with pertussis can be treated with antibiotics. People treated with antibiotics can return to work, school or sports five days after treatment has begun, according to the WSU release. Without antibiotics, a person will remain contagious for three to four weeks after coughing begins.
