Whooping cough outbreak hits Ann Arbor Pioneer High School

Ann Arbor students warned about whooping cough prevention

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Students at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School are being warned about an outbreak of whooping cough at the school.

There have been five confirmed cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, among the students at the school.

Pioneer sophomore Jaiden Kruse says the report has him thinking.

"It's strange when you are walking down the hallway and somebody coughs really bad and it's like, I really don't know if you should be here right now," Kruse said.

The Washtenaw County Public Health Department is working with the school to get the word about symptoms and prevention.

Whooping cough is highly contagious.  The coughing comes in bursts, can be accompanied by vomiting, and can last seven days or more.

The disease can be spread easily in households and group settings, like schools and workplaces.

Most children are vaccinated against pertussis, but the vaccine protection can decrease over time. It is recommended that older children and adults get booster shots.

Student Jaiden Kruse says he is taking precautions.

"I wash my hands a lot anyway, so I really don't have a problem with it, but hopefully I'll keep my guard up," Kruse said.

Washtenaw County Public Health Department spokesmen suggest students meet with their health care provider to discuss protection from whooping cough.