This is the third such case of pertussis to be reported at McCallum within the 2025-26 school year.

AUSTIN, Texas — A case of pertussis, otherwise known as whooping cough, was reported at McCallum High School Friday, according to Austin Public Health (APH) and the Austin-Travis County Health Authority (ATCHA).

The school sent a message to families confirming the positive case. APH said that it is working with the school’s administration to prevent further spread of the disease.

More than 3,500 whooping cough cases were confirmed in Texas in 2025, the highest number in more than a decade. Around 85% of cases occur in children, with many infections occurring in school-age, unvaccinated or under-vaccinated people. 

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


What to know about whooping cough

Whooping cough is a bacterial respiratory infection that often spreads through coughing, sneezing, sharing items and being in close contact with others. It’s particularly harmful to those including pregnant women, babies and people with weak immune systems, though the infection can spread to anyone. 

Symptoms to look out for early-on include a slight cough, sneeze and runny nose. Some people might also develop a small fever.

Between one and ten weeks, additional signs of pertussis include a worsening cough with a “whooping” sound, trouble breathing and vomiting after coughing. Other symptoms you might see are difficulty sleeping, worsening conditions in the evening and moments of brief improvement in between coughs. 

Meanwhile, babies who develop pertussis might not cough, but could instead stop breathing temporarily or even turn blue. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), getting vaccinated can help you stay protected against whooping cough. The health organization says babies, children, teenagers, adults and pregnant women should all get the vaccine to lower their risk. 

Texas health officials also emphasize vaccination as the best way to combat the infection. Chief State Epidemiologist Varun Shetty with the Texas Department of State Health Services said, “[Vaccination is] really important, not only for yourself, but also for the people around you. So, for yourself, getting vaccinated really lowers the chance of you getting sick with pertussis or – even if you were to get it – to be really severely ill with this disease.”

According to APH, children should receive their first DTaP shots from two months through 6 years of age. Preteens and teens are also eligible for a Tdap booster and adults should talk to their healthcare providers about receiving a Tdap booster if they are around those at high risk, including children younger than one year old, pregnant people and people with compromised immune systems. 

According to statewide immunization data, around 6.5% of seventh graders in Texas are not vaccinated against whooping cough, with that number rising to nearly 15% in Travis County.