A whooping cough outbreak in Connecticut has parents worried as they prepare for their children to return to school.
“Anytime something is trending and spreading it’s scary and nerve wracking,” said Kristen Kasparian of Bristol.
Connecticut Department of Public Health Director Manisha Juthani said there have been 111 confirmed cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, a significant increase from last year’s total of 11 cases.
“That’s an astronomical number for one year,” said Daniel Peterson of Bristol.
According to the DPH, 69 percent of cases have occurred in teenagers, which has led health experts to believe some children may not be getting vaccinated in the wake of the pandemic.
“We’re bringing this to the attention of both health care workers and families, so in theory people can get their vaccinations up to date before their children return to daycare or school,” said Manisha Juthani, Connecticut’s public health director.
The vaccine and booster shot are recommended for people of all ages, but especially for newborns, young children and pregnant women.
“Pregnant women are encouraged to be vaccinated again with Tdap even if they have been vaccinated in a previous pregnancy,” Juthani added.
Symptoms can last for several weeks and include a runny nose, fever, and the most noticeable sign is a rapid cough followed by a whooshing sound.
“The situation could deteriorate very quickly,” Kasparian said.
Kristen Kasparian, a mother of two, said she was contacted by Bristol Public Schools about a case at Bristol Central High School’s summer school, and like other local parents, she’s urging families to do their part to keep everyone safe.
“I know it’s hard, but if your child is really sick and has a high fever, please keep them home,” Kasparian said.
“It’s almost like COVID has started all over again. If you’re sick, stay home. We were all going to go out and do things, but we don’t want to infect people who can’t protect themselves,” Peterson said.
