The Texas Department of State Health Services has informed the Student Health Center at Tarleton State University of a case of pertussis on the Tarleton main campus. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, can cause serious health problems for infants but is not particularly dangerous to older children and adults.

Pertussis is spread through close contact with an infected person, and may cause a mild cough that could develop within two weeks into a more severe cough. Individuals with pertussis may find it hard to catch their breath due to coughing fits.

Pertussis is not to be confused with a common cold and is not cause for alarm in most adult students; however, individuals with asthma or existing health concerns may find that their symptoms are intensified. Students with a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks are advised to seek treatment. The Tdap vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) is also available at the Tarleton Student Health Center for $50.

With cold weather setting in, students are advised as always to be aware of the spread of germs through coughing and sneezing. Follow basic hand washing and hygiene procedures to avoid falling victim to wintertime illness.

For more information regarding pertussis, a link to the Texas Department of State Health Services has been provided by the Student Health Center in the spotlight section of the Tarleton home page at Tarleton.edu.