Whooping cough case confirmed at a Wake County middle school

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A student at Oberlin Magnet Middle School has a confirmed case of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, the Wake County Public School System said.

The school district said it was informed of the news on Thursday by Wake County Health & Human Services.

The district said it sent a letter to all parents of students who may have been exposed.

The letter says in part:
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Some students and staff at your child's school may have been around a person who has pertussis (also known as whooping cough) on any date between (2/13/2025) and (02/18/2025). Whooping cough causes coughing that can last for weeks to months. Sometimes, the cough can sound like a whoop as the person tries to catch their breath.

SEE ALSO | What parents need to know about whooping cough

In 2024, cases of pertussis increased nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that as of October, there were 17,579 confirmed cases. The highest number was in the Middle Atlantic states. There were only 3,962 cases during the same time in 2023.