Iowa School District Cancels Classes Due to Whooping Cough

Classes in a southern Iowa school district have been canceled on Friday, December 12, following a confirmed case of whooping cough. Officials from the Davis County Community School District in Bloomfield made the announcement Thursday afternoon, indicating that the illness was confirmed at the elementary school.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a contagious respiratory disease characterized by severe coughing fits that lead to a high-pitched “whoop” sound when the person inhales afterward. Superintendent Megan Christiansen shared the news on the district’s Facebook page, stating, “School will be canceled (Friday) as we continue our investigation and receive guidance from public health officials.” Additionally, several school events and activities planned for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday have been canceled or postponed, according to the school’s activities calendar.

Christiansen also oversees the Moulton-Udell Community School District, which recently had to cancel classes on Tuesday and Wednesday due to a significant number of students and staff being absent—about 30%—mostly because of influenza A.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has issued some recommendations for residents to maintain their health during the winter months:

• Stay home and avoid large gatherings if you or your children are feeling unwell.
• Frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home.
• Practice good hand hygiene, using soap and water or hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, ideally with a tissue or your sleeve if necessary.
• Keep children at home from school or daycare if they exhibit symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat, and ensure they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning.
• If someone is unwell and needs medical attention, reach out to their healthcare provider for advice on testing or evaluation.

Iowa Vaccination Rates for Whooping Cough

Immunization rates for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis among 2-year-olds in Iowa have seen an increase from 68.6% in 2015 to 89.5% in 2024, according to information from the Iowa Health and Human Services website. However, in Davis County, the vaccination rate for this age group was reported at only 38.2% in 2024.