Marin County health officials have issued a whooping cough advisory following an ongoing outbreak, primarily impacting Tamalpais High School and surrounding areas. Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis, in response to the situation, released an advisory last Friday, citing a significant increase in cases investigated by the county’s Department of Health and Human Services.

Surge in Cases and Impact

Since December, Marin County has investigated 113 cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. The outbreak has been particularly concentrated in the South Marin area, with Tamalpais High School reporting more than 65 identified cases. This surge aligns with the typical pattern of whooping cough outbreaks, which tend to occur every 3-5 years. The last notable surge in Marin County was observed in 2018, with over 300 identified cases in the community.

Transmission and Symptoms

Whooping cough spreads easily through droplets in the air, making person-to-person transmission common. Symptoms initially resemble those of the common cold, including fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough, which can progress to severe coughing fits. Adolescents, particularly high school-aged individuals, are at higher risk due to waning effectiveness of childhood vaccinations against the illness.

Focus on Prevention and Mitigation

Marin County health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination, proper respiratory and hand hygiene, and staying home when sick to prevent the spread of whooping cough. It is crucial for individuals to ensure they are up-to-date with their pertussis vaccinations. Moreover, those diagnosed with whooping cough are advised to stay home for 21 days after the onset of coughing or for five days after starting antibiotics.

Collaboration and Response Efforts

The county is collaborating closely with Tamalpais High School to mitigate the spread of the illness by issuing exposure notifications. However, as of the latest report, there have been no hospitalizations due to whooping cough in Marin County, and no cases have been reported in infants. For more information about the county’s response to whooping cough, residents can visit the official website.

Administrators at Tamalpais High School and the Tamalpais Union High School District have yet to provide a comment regarding the ongoing outbreak.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Take Precautions

As the whooping cough outbreak continues to affect Marin County, it is imperative for residents to stay informed about preventive measures and take necessary precautions. Protecting oneself and others through vaccination and proper hygiene practices remains crucial in curbing the spread of infectious diseases. For the latest updates and guidance, individuals are encouraged to download The Local News App for timely notifications and relevant news alerts.

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