Real Estate Photographer in Del Valle, TX

Austin Public Health (APH) has confirmed a case of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, at Del Valle High School.

In an April 15 letter, APH advised DVHS parents to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of pertussis. If anyone in a household develops signs or symptoms, a physician should be contacted for evaluation and possible treatment.

"Please notify us [APH] as well as your school if your child or any household member is suspected of having pertussis," the health agency said. "If your physician suspects you or your child has pertussis, please do not attend school until you/your child has been cleared to return by the physician and health department."

APH also said immunization records should be checked, and any child or adult who is under-immunized or not immunized should follow up with their physician to receive an age-appropriate DTaP or Tdap vaccine, which protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

Anyone with any questions can call APH at 512-972-5555.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by bacteria. It is known for uncontrollable and violent coughing that often makes it hard to breath. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children and it can be fatal, especially in babies younger than 1 year old.

Pertussis can be spread easily from person to person through the air, and people can be contagious for weeks.

According to the CDC, it usually takes five to 10 days for symptoms to appear after exposure to the bacteria that can cause pertussis, and sometimes, symptoms don't develop for as long as three weeks. Early on, whooping cough appears similar to a common cold, with symptoms like runny or stuffed-up nose, low-grade fever (less than 100.4) and mild, occasional cough.

Many babies with whooping cough don't cough at all and instead experience apnea, or life-threatening pauses in breathing. For some babies, pertussis may seem like a common cold for the entire illness, not just at the beginning.

One to two weeks after the first symptoms start, the CDC says people may develop coughing fits that usually last one to six weeks but can last for up to 10 weeks. The cough generally gets worse and becomes more common as the illness continues, and the fits can cause people to:

For people who have been vaccinated but still get whooping cough, the CDC said the illness is generally milder.

Parents at Del Valle Early College High School were notified by Austin Public Health of a case of pertussis. The infectious disease, also known as whooping cough, is on the rise in the U.S.

By the first week of April, the CDC had reported 7,586 cases this year. In the same period last year, the U.S. had 3,461 cases. And last year saw a sixfold increase over 2023. Four deaths have been reported this year.

This news is coming as Texas is in the middle of a measles outbreak with 561 cases reported, 58 hospitalizations and two deaths.

Austin Public Health's letter to the Del Valle high school parents told them to look for signs of pertussis and have their child stay home and seek medical care if their child does have signs. They should also check their child's immunization records and bring them up to date.

What are the symptoms of pertussis?

Early symptoms of the disease look like a common cold: low-grade fever, mild cough and runny or stuffy nose.

Later symptoms include coughing fits with or without a "whoop" noise when someone gasps for air after coughing, as well as vomiting after coughing, feeling tired, difficulty sleeping and broken ribs from coughing.

Babies and young children can have difficulty breathing even if they don't have a cough.

How long can pertussis last?

The early symptoms last one to two weeks. Then, usually by the second week, people develop the cough with the "whoop" sound. That stage can last an additional one to 10 weeks.

In the final stage, people might feel better, but their lungs are susceptible to infections for many months.

Texas measles outbreak hits 500 cases, but expert says it could be 4 times higher

When should you get a vaccine for pertussis?

The CDC recommends this vaccination schedule for the disease:

Why is pertussis so dangerous to babies?

About one-third of babies with whooping cough need to be hospitalized. They also can get pneumonia, encephalopathy and convulsions.

What about teens and adults?

Their symptoms can lead to pneumonia, but teens and adults are not as likely to have life-threatening problems as babies.

How can I get vaccinated?

For vaccinations, contact your primary care provider or you can go through Austin Public Health. You can get vaccinated as an adult if you have not been vaccinated previously.

Austin Public Health offers vaccinations for free or at reduced rates for children and adults who do not have insurance, have Medicaid or are underinsured. The typical cost is $13 for children and $25 for adults. You can make an appointment at 512-972-5520 for the clinics at 405 W. Stassney Lane in South Austin or 7500 Blessing Avenue in Northeast Austin.

HUTTO, Texas — Some Central Texas school districts are making scheduling adjustments Friday afternoon to try to get ahead of potential severe weather.

Most of the KVUE viewing area is under a severe weather risk Friday, May 2, from roughly 3-4 p.m. through around midnight. Large hail is the primary concern, but strong winds and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

Below are the schedule adjustments announced by local districts so far. This article will be updated if any other districts announce changes to their Friday schedules.

Austin ISD has canceled all after-school activities districtwide, including athletics, after-school care and any other events.

Del Valle ISD announced all elementary after-school programs would dismiss by 3 p.m. on Friday. Parents of elementary students enrolled in the ACE program are asked to pick up their child as soon as possible.

Florence ISD said dismissal will happen according to the usual schedule, but parents may pick up their children any time. The district added that if conditions are unsafe for travel, buses will be held until it is safe to transport students.

Georgetown ISD is releasing students on a modified early release schedule Friday afternoon. High schools released at 1:45 p.m., middle schools released at 2:10 p.m. and elementary schools will release at 3 p.m.

Granger ISD said the Lions' baseball playoff series has been canceled for Friday.

Hutto ISD is dismissing all campuses early on Friday. Elementary schools dismissed at 1:30 p.m., middle schools released at 2:20 p.m., and both the Ninth Grade Center and Hutto High School will release at 3 p.m.

Additionally, all Hutto ISD after-school activities and events are canceled.

Buses are running one-and-a-half hours early for bus riders, and students at the Ninth Grade Center will remain on their campus for pick-up. Hutto ISD said parents are encouraged to pick up their students at any time before early dismissal.

Leander ISD has canceled all after-school activities after 4:30 p.m., but dismissal will occur as normal.

Liberty Hill ISD has canceled all outdoor after-school activities for Friday. Parents can pick up their children early if they choose, but regular dismissal is continuing as planned.

Panther Care, Panther Academy and YMCA programs are also canceled. Staff from each program will remain with students until they are picked up.

Some indoor activities may still take place. The districts asks parents to check with their child’s sponsor for details.

Round Rock ISD has canceled all after-school activities for Friday, including athletics and fine arts practices and games. Dismissal will be at regular time, and bus routes will run as scheduled.

The district said families who would like to pick their children up early are welcome to do so. Students who are part of after-school care programs will remain on campus until they can be picked up, and families are encouraged to pick up their children early if possible.

Taylor ISD dismissed all schools and offices early on Friday. Elementary schools released at 1:30 p.m., Taylor Middle School released at 2:15 p.m. and the high schools and Taylor Opportunity Center released at 2:30 p.m.

Additionally, all after-school programs, events, and extracurricular activities are canceled. Buses are operating at the revised dismissal time for bus riders.

Data Skrive

On Saturday, April 26, with first pitch at 1 p.m. CT, Hutto High School will play Del Valle High School in TBA, TX.

How to watch Del Valle vs. Hutto softball

Del Valle and Hutto will match up on Saturday, April 26, at 1 p.m. CT. Don't miss out on any of the action with NFHS Network.

The NFHS Network gives you access to live high school sports around the country. Watch games live and on demand, all year long, on any device. Follow your favorite team and never miss a game!

Want to track your alma mater, local team or family member's school throughout the playoffs? NFHS Network has high school softball streaming live, plus on-demand replays and highlights of all the action from thousands of schools across America.

Watch Hutto vs. Del Valle on NFHS Network!

All NFHS Network events are available to watch online at NFHS Network and through the NFHS Network Mobile Apps for iOS and Android and TV Apps for ROKU, Amazon Fire, Google TV and Apple TV.

Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.