DAYTON, Ohio-Oakwood City Schools informed parents about a potential exposure to pertussis (whooping cough) at their junior high and high school campuses, citing an increase in cases reported by Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County. The district emphasized that the safety of students and staff is a priority, noting that school nurses and officials have been in communication with health authorities about managing communicable respiratory illnesses. Pertussis is highly contagious and spreads through coughing or sneezing. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, though symptoms can persist for weeks or months, particularly affecting infants, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Health officials recommend updating vaccinations (DTaP) to help prevent infection.
