Whooping cough outbreak declared at Moncton High School

An outbreak of whooping cough has been declared at MonctonHigh School.

The news was deliveredin a letter to parents Sunday morning. There are five diagnosed cases.

Dr. Yves A.Lger, the medical officer for health for the east region of the province, said "there are likely many other undiagnosed cases" in the school.

"I have officially declared apertussisoutbreak at your school," he said in the letter.

The school is closed for March break.

Whooping cough, also known aspertussis, is a bacterial respiratory infection spread through droplets in the air from coughing and sneezing.

Seek medical help

It is most contagious during the first two weeks of infectionwhen symptoms resemble the common cold. The disease can be deadly forinfants 12 months and under.

Lger has advised parents to seek medical help as soon as possibleif their childhas a cough and to tell health care officials the child is from the MHS community.

"Do not assume that it is merely a cold or the flu.Wear a mask when arriving to the clinic, avoid infants and pregnant women."

Parents are also advised to verify immunization records for themselvesand their children. Lgersays in the letter up to 30 per cent of students have not received an adolescent booster dose according to statistics.

In addition to routine childhood vaccinations, childrenalso receive an adolescent booster dose ofpertussisin Grade 7. An adultbooster dose at age 18 or later is also required.

Clinics planned

Immunization clinics are planned for the school on March 20 or the day after in case school is closed. Parents will receive consent forms after March break.

Parents can contact thelocal public health officeto verify if their child hasreceived their adolescent dose.