Wayne County, N.C. — The Wayne County Health Department has confirmed a case of pertussis (whooping cough) involving a student at Meadow Lane Elementary School, prompting health officials to take swift action in coordination with school administrators.
As part of the county’s public health response, letters have been sent to all parents of Meadow Lane Elementary students to inform them of the case and offer guidance. Additionally, families of students identified as close contacts have received targeted notifications with further instructions.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads through coughing and sneezing. It often begins with mild, cold-like symptoms but can escalate into severe coughing fits, vomiting, and a characteristic “whooping” sound. The disease poses a particular threat to infants, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.
Health officials stress that there is no general risk to the broader school community, and only individuals identified as having been in close contact with the infected student are considered at elevated risk.
Vaccination remains the best defense against pertussis. Children are encouraged to stay current with their DTaP vaccine, while older children, adults, and pregnant women are advised to receive a Tdap booster to maintain immunity.
“Our goal in sharing this information is not to alarm, but to inform,” said Suzanne LeDoyen, Health Director for the Wayne County Health Department. “Pertussis cases are on the rise across the United States, and awareness is key to prevention. By taking simple precautions—like staying up to date on vaccinations and watching for symptoms—we can help protect our most vulnerable residents.”
Pertussis cases are reported annually in North Carolina, with national trends showing a rise in infections this year. The Wayne County Health Department continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed.
For more information on pertussis, visit the CDC pertussis page or the North Carolina fact sheet.
