Another Contagious Disease Has Officially Entered Texas

As if the measles starting to invade Texas wasn't enough, we've got another thing we have to be on the lookout for, and it's another one that could ultimately lead to death.

Whooping cough has raised its hand in the state, and while it's not a new one, the number of cases and how fast it's spreading are major concerns.

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What Is Whooping Cough

Also referred to by its true medical name, pertussis, whooping cough comes on like you're catching a cold, so it can be tough to diagnose in the beginning stages.

Where it really starts to rear its head is when the coughing fits begin. It is typically accompanied by a "whoop" sound when the cough comes out. Sometimes it won't have the sound, but the coughing fit will lead to you gasping for air after the coughing fit.

How Contagious Is It

Not AS contagious as measles, but it can still be easily caught. With it being a cough as its primary symptom, the germs and virus are easily spread each time a cough happens.

With the disease containing fits of coughing, there are plenty of chances to be near someone who can spread the virus.

Why Is This A Concern All Of A Sudden

Recently, Del Valle Early College High School in Austin was notified of a positive case at the school. Austin Public Health notified the school which in turn notified all the parents. As mentioned before, the symptoms probably started off as a cold, so who knows how many others could've come in contact with the individual.

Across the United States, cases are up a significant amount from last year. At this point in 2024, there were 3,461 reported cases. This year, we've had 7,586 cases reported, so more than twice the amount of last year.

How Long Does It Last

Whooping cough's early symptoms hang around for about a week or two. It's around that second week when the whoop starts to come with the cough.

That alone can last anywhere from one to 10 weeks. After the cough has subsided and the symptoms have disappeared, the lungs are still more susceptible to infection than normal for several months.