Buncombe County Health Tracks Outbreaks of Chickenpox and Whooping Cough

On December 22 Buncombe County Public Health alerted the community that it is monitoring rising cases of several vaccine preventable illnesses across the county, most notably varicella, commonly called chickenpox, and pertussis, known as whooping cough. The notice identified a large varicella outbreak at a private school in western Buncombe County and a pertussis outbreak tied to a high school serving the Swannanoa and Black Mountain area, where staff also detected concurrent influenza A activity.

Public Health staff said they are coordinating response efforts and conducting partner outreach with schools and local health care providers. Officials urged families to make sure children and household members are up to date on measles, pertussis, varicella, influenza and other routine vaccinations. The county listed the Buncombe County Immunization Clinic as a local option for vaccines, located at 40 Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville, and provided additional vaccination resources online at buncombenc.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/736

The outbreaks have direct implications for school communities and households with young children, infants and people with weakened immune systems who face greater risk of severe illness. Pertussis can cause prolonged coughing spells that lead to missed school and medical visits, and varicella while often mild in children can produce complications in adults and vulnerable individuals. The simultaneous detection of influenza A in the pertussis affected population highlights the potential for overlapping respiratory illness that can strain families and local health services during the winter months.

Residents can take practical steps to reduce spread by confirming vaccination records with their primary care provider or the Buncombe County Immunization Clinic, keeping symptomatic students and household members home, and contacting a health care professional for testing or treatment when appropriate. Public Health will continue outreach with affected schools and partners as it monitors case counts and advises on exclusion and control measures to protect students and the broader community.