Weston, FL — Confirmed Whooping Cough Case at Local Elementary School

Weston, FL (April 9th, 2025) – An alert was recently issued, warning parents of students at County Isles Elementary School of a confirmed case of whooping cough.  

While this condition, also known as pertussis, can affect individuals of all ages, it may pose a significant danger to elementary-aged children. They may experience serious health issues due to whopping cough, and contribute to the spread of this highly contagious respiratory disease.

Contagious Outbreaks in Florida Schools

Illness outbreaks pose significant risks to the health, well-being, and educational continuity of students, staff, and the wider community. The proximity of individuals in school settings can facilitate the rapid transmission of infections diseases, leading to widespread illness and disruption.

Increased Morbidity

Outbreaks of contagious illnesses such as influenza, norovirus, strep throat, and vaccine-preventable diseases like whooping cough can lead to significant issues among students. Due to such conditions, students may experience fever, respiratory distress, gastrointestinal issues, and other debilitating symptoms, impacting their overall health and comfort.

Potential for Serious Complications

Certain illnesses can lead to severe complications, particularly in vulnerable populations, such as students with underlying health conditions, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. 

Obligations to Prevent Illness Outbreaks and Keep Students Safe

Schools in Florida have several obligations to prevent illness outbreaks and maintain a safe environment for students. These obligations stem from state laws, regulations from the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), and general principles of negligence. A Clearwater premises liability lawyer may help explain these obligations, and whether schools have taken adequate measures to meet them.

Implementing Health Policies and Guidelines

Schools are expected to follow guidelines issued by the FDOH and their own district policies to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. To this end, they may enact measures related to hygiene, sanitation, and exclusion of sick individuals. 

Vaccination Requirements

With few exceptions, Florida law requires students to be vaccinated against certain communicable diseases as a condition for school attendance. Schools must maintain records of student immunizations.

Reporting Communicable Diseases

Schools are often required to report outbreaks or suspected cases of certain communicable diseases to the local health department. Making such notifications allows for public health intervention and control measures.

Additionally, schools should also notify parents of the outbreak or cases, as was done in Broward County. On April 8, 2025, the principal of the Broward County elementary school emailed parents notifying them of the confirmed case at the school, and that their children may have been exposed.

Maintaining a Clean and Sanitary Environment

Schools have a duty to keep their facilities clean and sanitary. To this end, they should perform regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, proper waste disposal, and ensuring adequate hygiene facilities. 

Exclusion of Sick Students and Staff

Many schools have policies requiring students and staff who are ill with contagious conditions to stay home to prevent further spread. Such policies often outline criteria for when an individual can return to school.

Developing Emergency Operations Plans

Schools are advised to have emergency operations plans that include protocols for addressing infectious disease outbreaks. These plans may involve enhanced cleaning, social distancing measures, and communication strategies. 

Providing Health Education

Florida’s health education standards include instruction on the prevention and control of disease, emphasizing practices like handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and the importance of vaccinations.

Implementing Safety Measures

Beyond illness prevention, schools must implement measures to ensure the general safety of students. Among other steps, this includes maintaining safe premises, providing adequate supervision, and having protocols for emergencies. Recent legislation has focused on school safety measures related to physical security, such as secured access points and classroom door locks.

The Broward County schools’ administration is reportedly taking measures to prevent potential spread. The health department is scheduled to hold a vaccination event at the school on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, for interested parents and students. Highlighted by this recent situation is the ongoing importance of schools fulfilling their obligations to prevent these outbreaks.

When Are Schools Liable?

While schools have obligations to protect students, liability claims for illness outbreaks can be challenging and depend on various factors. As government entities, public schools in Florida are protected by sovereign immunity. This legal doctrine generally limits the ability to sue these types of government institutions. However, there are exceptions in which students and their families may file premises liability claims. A personal injury lawyer will help them understand their rights, and navigate seeking compensation for illness-associated losses, including medical expenses and pain and suffering. 

Given the challenges of suing schools, especially public schools with sovereign immunity, it may be helpful for those whose children have gotten seriously sick at school to consult with a Florida personal injury lawyer.

The serious illness of a child can take a significant emotional, and financial, toll on Florida families. At the Light & Wyatt Law Group, we have more than 30 years of injury law experience, helping Floridians like you to recover the maximum compensation for losses. Contact our law group today at 727-499-9900 for a free initial consultation.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association