LAMPASAS, Texas (KXXV) -- Lampasas Independent School District sent out a letter to parents, notifying them of a contagious infection that is spreading. Eight cases of whooping cough have been confirmed in schools across the district over the last few weeks.
"We do want to put it out there," Donna Clark, the Director of Health Services with Lampasas ISD, said. "Our intent is not to scare anybody or create panic, but to inform."
"Especially with whooping cough, that we let the parents and families know because it is highly contagious, and we do have immuno-compromised people, people with diabetes, pregnant women with babies. It's very contagious, and it can harm them."
According to new data from the CDC, this year's spike in whooping cough cases across the county has now reached the fastest rate seen in nearly a decade. In Texas, health officials are seeing three-times the amount of cases compared to last year.
The respiratory infection appears like the common cold at first but turns into coughing fits that can last for several weeks to even months. Most health experts say there are only a few ways to protect someone from contracting this.
"Prevention is key," Clark said. "Of course, vaccination, keeping up with those vaccination schedules - we are pretty strict on that in Lampasas ISD. You do have to have your vaccinations to come to school or an affidavit of exemption."
Clark said other common illnesses that start spreading this time of year are the flu, strep, covid, and RSV.
Letter sent by Lampasas ISD:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This letter is to inform you that students who attend Lampasas ISD Schools have been diagnosed with whooping cough (also called pertussis). Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that can spread through the air when people cough. It is very contagious.
If not treated,...