DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - Pertussis cases in Scott County have surged to 43 confirmed and suspected infections since Dec. 1, prompting health officials to urge residents to stay home if they’re coughing and get booster shots.

Pleasant Valley Community School District said in a letter sent home to parents that more than 50 students have been identified as having pertussis across Scott County schools since the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The letter said this compares to 55 total cases during the entire 2024-2025 school year.

Health officials urge preventive measures

Pertussis is a highly contagious infection that affects the airways and spreads easily from person to person by coughing or sneezing. The disease can cause a severe cough lasting weeks or months, sometimes leading to co

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