Whooping Cough Outbreak at Smithtown Schools

Thirteen kids in the Smithtown School District has contracted pertussis, a highly contagious bacterial infection also known as whooping cough, Suffolk County Health Commissioner James L. Tomarken announced Tuesday.

Cases were confirmed in St. James Elementary School, Tackan Elementary School and Nesaquake Middle School, and the health department has advised school officials to begin infection control measures.

According to the health department, all the infected children had been immunized, which explains why they only came down with mild cases of the infection.

At its worst, pertussis, which early on mimics cold symptoms, can cause a violent cough that can last for weeks or months.

Health officials said pertussis immunization may be only 80 percent effective and that protection from the vaccine often fades by the pre-pubescent years.

Tomarken said that adults who are in close contact with infants less than 12 months old who have not been immunized should call their doctor.

Pertussis is treated with antibiotics.