Confirmed case of whooping cough at Tates Creek High School

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Lexington has its first confirmed case of the year of pertussis, or whooping cough.

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department says the case was reported at Tates Creek High School.

The health department says it is notifying parents of Tates Creek High School students.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness spread by coughing and sneezing.

It affects people of all ages but can be most serious in infants and those with chronic diseases.

The health department says it is continuing to work with Fayette County Public Schools to make parents aware of the threat of pertussis.

The health department is recommending preventive antibiotics for high-risk students who were exposed to pertussis. This includes students with a chronic illness or weakened immune system and those who live in households with the following: a family member with a chronic illness or weakened immune system, an infant or a pregnant woman.