Correction: TCRHCC Confirms Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Case in the Tuba City Service Area

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 13, 2026

Correction: TCRHCC Confirms Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Case in the Tuba City Service Area

Correction and Update: The previously reported location has been identified as incorrect.

TUBA CITY, Ariz. — Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (TCRHCC) has confirmed a resident in the Tuba City Service Area with pertussis, also known as whooping cough. The individual may have been infectious at Tuba City Elementary School on Thursday, February 12. It was originally reported as Tuba City Junior High School, but this was incorrect.

There are no other local exposure locations identified. While the individual traveled recently to the Phoenix area, the source of infection is unknown. There has been a relative increase in pertussis cases in the state this winter.  It is possible that the infection was spread locally.

Whooping cough is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by a bacterial infection in the lungs. It may begin like a common cold, but the cough can last for weeks or months. Symptoms begin with coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose. Coughing can become serious when it ends with a gasp, whoop, or vomiting. Pertussis can lead to problems with breathing. The infection can be especially serious for infants.

It spreads through the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or breathes. An infected individual can spread pertussis from start of symptoms and for at least three weeks after coughing begins. A lab test is the only way to confirm pertussis. The infection is treated with antibiotics. After 5 days of antibiotic treatment an individual can no longer spread the infection to others.

The whooping cough vaccines DTap (for young children) and Tdap (for teens and adults) are the best defense against whooping cough. The recommended vaccine schedule is:

• DTap for young children at:
  • 2, 4, and 6 months
  • 15 – 18 months
  • 4 – 6 years
• Tdap for preteens at:
  • 11 – 12 years
• Tdap for pregnant women:
  • During the 27^th – 36^th week of each pregnancy
• Tdap for adults:
  • Anytime for those who never received it
  • Protection from the vaccine decreases over time. Boosters are recommended, especially for those who live or work around infants.

Schedule your child’s next doctor visit at Pediatric Clinic. Adults can walk into TCRHCC Public Health Clinic, Monday through Friday. No appointment is needed.

What to do if exposed or feeling sick?

1. If you or your child is coughing, wear a mask. Avoid contact with infants under 1 year of age and immunocompromised people.
2. Schedule your child’s appointment with the Pediatric Clinic. Adults can walk into TCRHCC Public Health Clinic without an appointment.
3. Your provider may prescribe antibiotics. Stay home and away from others until antibiotics are taken for five (5) days in a row.

Early treatment of pertussis is very important. Treatment may make the infection less serious. Pertussis can lead to hospitalization. Infants are at greatest risk for severe illness.

If you or your family members may have been exposed to pertussis (whooping cough), please call before arriving to TCRHCC Emergency Department 1-866-976-5941.

For more information about vaccines, visit TCRHCC Public Health at tchealth.org/public-health/.

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