A confirmed case of whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, has been identified at a local high school, prompting health officials to urge the public to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hilary Wolf said the student has been isolated and treated, and that public health teams have moved quickly to contain any potential spread.
“We do have a confirmed case of Bordetella pertussis in a local high school. We have isolated the child and made sure that [they have] received appropriate antibiotics,” she said in an interview with the Compass.
“We’ve conducted contact tracing and are making sure that all close contacts receive prophylaxis antibiotics, as well as checking immunisation status.”
Vaccinations urged
Wolf stressed that vaccination remains the most effective protection, particularly for teenagers who may be due for a booster.
According to Cayman’s Child and Maternal Immunisation Schedule for 2026, children in Cayman are required to receive DTaP doses at 2, 4 and 6 months, a first booster at 18 months, a second booster at 4 years, and then the Tdap vaccine at 14 years old. Pregnant women are advised to receive the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy to help protect newborns.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of everyone being up to date on their tetanus diphtheria pertussis vaccine, otherwise known as Tdap,” Wolf said. “Students in high school are supposed to get their 14-year-old booster, and it’s really important that they go ahead and get that immediately.”
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez echoed that message, noting that routine immunisation schedules are designed to prevent outbreaks of diseases like pertussis.
“The DTaP vaccine in infancy and childhood and the Tdap booster for teens and adults protect against pertussis,” he said. “Up-to-date vaccinations are essential in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in circumstances like this.”
The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, working alongside the Public Health Department and the Department of Education Services, has issued advisory letters to parents of students who may have been exposed. Schools have also been provided with guidance on prevention, monitoring and reporting.
The case is being managed in line with established protocols, but health officials are urging continued vigilance among parents, students and school staff.
While symptoms are often milder in adolescents and adults, the illness can be serious for infants, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions.
Symptoms
Whooping cough spreads easily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms typically develop within five to 10 days of exposure, though in some cases they may take up to three weeks to appear. Early signs often resemble a common cold, including a runny nose, mild fever and an occasional cough.
As the illness progresses, it can lead to severe and prolonged coughing fits that may last for weeks. In some cases, particularly among infants, symptoms may differ and include breathing difficulties without a pronounced cough.
Officials are asking families to remain alert for signs such as a persistent or worsening cough, prolonged coughing fits or vomiting after coughing.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to seek immediate medical attention and avoid close contact with others, particularly infants, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions.
Public health officials are also reinforcing basic preventive measures, including covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing and staying home when unwell.
Regional concern over resurgence and resistance
In 2025, the Pan American Health Organization raised concerns around the resurgence of whooping cough in the Americas alongside early signs of antibiotic resistance.
Reported cases in the Americas increased from just over 11,202 in 2023 to more than 66,184 in 2024, with a further 46,870 cases in 2025. Health officials link the resurgence largely to declining vaccination coverage.
PAHO has also raised concern about emerging resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as azithromycin, clarithromycin and erythromycin, which are standard treatments for whooping cough. While still limited, resistant strains have been detected in several countries.
Local authorities say the situation continues to be monitored, with further updates to be provided as needed.
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