www.facebook.com
This letter posted to social media on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018 regarding a case of whooping cough at River Heights Elementary School in Medicine Hat.
Alberta Health Services has confirmed a case of whooping cough at River Heights Elementary School.
A letter, since posted on social media, was sent this week to parents and guardians of students at the Medicine Hat school. Among other things the letter asks that anyone diagnosed with whooping cough, also known as pertussis, remains home for five days after starting antibiotics. If treatment is not started people are asked to stay home for 21 days after showing symptoms.
The letter from Alberta Health Services advises symptoms of whooping cough include a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough and fever of up to 39.4 C (103 F) in young children. The cough becomes more severe and more frequent, often followed by a whooping sound when breathing. Sufferers can also vomit after a coughing spell.
Older children and adults can experience milder symptoms such as prolonged cough with or without coughing fits and no whoop.
Children under one year of age are especially vulnerable and may require hospitalization.
Whooping cough is treatable with antibiotics and immunization is recommended.
More information can be found at immunizealberta.ca.
