Case of whooping cough confirmed at Raymond Elementary

RAYMOND, AB – Alberta Health Services (AHS) has notified parents in Raymond about a confirmed case of pertussis (whooping cough) at the town’s primary school on Thursday, October 3rd.

They are asking that families keep their children at home if they appear to have the symptoms of whooping cough and to avoid school, work, or any other public place or social activity for five days after starting antibiotic treatment.

“If treatment has not started, you must stay home for 21 days after the start of your symptoms,” reads the advisory from AHS.

Common symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, a fever over 39.4 degrees Celsius (103 Fahrenheit), or a mild cough. It gradually becomes more severe with repetitive coughing spells which are often followed by a “whooping sound” when the child is breathing in.

According to AHS, older children might have more mild symptoms.

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“Children under one year of age are especially vulnerable and may need hospitalization to help recover from this illness. Women who are in their first trimester of pregnancy are also at risk of spreading the illness to their newborn babies,” adds AHS.

Pertussis is treatable with antibiotics. AHS says to ask your doctor what medications might work for you or your child.

“Immunization is recommended to prevent infection or to reduce severity of illness.”

AHS asks that you contact your public health clinic to learn more.