UPDATE @ 4:27 p.m.

Amy Schmitt, public health nurse in Greene County, said two or more cases of whooping cough is considered an outbreak. She said the pertussis outbreak at Bellbrook Middle School has impacted two classrooms, one of sixth graders and one of eighth graders.

“The students diagnosed have been excluded from school for five days,” Schmitt said, to finish medication and make sure they’re up to date on vaccinations.

Schools in Kettering and Springboro have one reported case each.

UPDATE @ 3:10 p.m.

A sixth case of whooping cough has been confirmed in the region.

One case of whooping cough is confirmed in a Springboro Junior High student, said Karen DeRosa, district communications coordinator for Springboro schools. She said per Warren County Combined Health District expectations, the district notified parents by email Thursday morning.

The student was not in school today, DeRosa said. She added that cases of pertussis are routine.

FIRST REPORT

Area officials have reported at least five cases of whooping cough at area school districts.

Greene County health officials said they have had four confirmed cases of pertussis, commonly known as whopping cough, at Bellbrook-Sugarcreek schools.

Kettering schools officials also confirmed a case at Orchard Park Elementary school and a letter was sent to parents to inform them of the illness.

According to health officials, pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air by cough. Pertussis begin with cold symptoms and cough, which becomes much worse over a period of 1-2 weeks.

Pertussis is generally treated with antibiotics.

If you suspect you may have signs or symptoms of pertussis you are asked to contact your local health care provider.

Source:   http://www.whio.com/news/news/at-least-5-cases-of-whooping-cough-reported-locall/nqcrC/