Penn State Reports Whooping Cough Cases at University Park

With pertussis, or whooping cough, on the rise nationally and in Pennsylvania, Penn State reported on Monday that it has had several cases of the respiratory illness since the spring at University Park.

Five confirmed and six probable cases have been identified on campus since mid-March, according to a news release .

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 7,251 whooping cough cases had been reported nationwide as of June 29, more than triple the same time last year. The cases mark a return to pre-2020 levels, the CDC noted, adding that cases began dropping off in 2020 likely because of preventative actions used during the COVID-19 pandemic that lowered respiratory disease transmission.

Pennsylvania had 1,035 whooping cough cases through June 29, 895 more than the same time last year and the most of any state.

Locally outside of Penn State, State College Area High School reported one confirmed case in May.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection usually spread by coughing or sneezing in close proximity with others. Symptoms often start out like a common cold, with runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever and mild cough. The cough becomes more severe, often turning into coughing fits that can be followed by vomiting.

Whooping cough gets its name from the "whoop" sound about one-third of infected individuals, usually children, make when gasping for air at the end of a coughing fit, according to the CDC. A persistent, hacking cough is sometimes the only noticeable sign of pertussis in adolescents and adults.

Individuals with whooping cough are considered most contagious in the first two weeks from the onset of symptoms, which typically appear seven to 10 days after infection. Whooping cough is treated with antibiotics, which are most effective when taken early in the illness.

Penn State University Health Services (UHS) and the state health department encouraged University Park community members to be alert for symptoms and stay current on vaccinations.

"The best way to prevent pertussis is to be vaccinated," Penn State wrote in the release. "For adults, this includes a Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis — known as Tdap — booster every 10 years and a single dose of Tdap during every pregnancy."

Tens of thousands of students will be returning to campus next month, and Penn State only requires students to be vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella, and for students living on campus, meningococcal disease. Tdap, however, is among a list of nine recommended vaccines .

"Tdap is a recommended immunization, and we encourage all students — new and returning — to check their health records to see if it is time for a booster,” Cecilia Devonshire, infection control manager for UHS, said.

UHS encouraged students not to share food or drinks, to frequently wash hands and to exercise respiratory etiquette.

"Symptomatic students can schedule an appointment with UHS if they suspect they have pertussis or have been in close contact with someone who is/was infected," according to the release. "Household contacts, such as roommates, or people at high risk of developing severe pertussis may be advised to take prophylactic antibiotics if they are known to be exposed."

Students can schedule an appointment through myUHS or by calling 814-865-4847. Those who are sick and unsure if they should see a clinician can call the UHS advice nurse line at 814-865-4847 and press option 3.

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