Case of whooping cough confirmed at junior high school in Dartmouth

Whooping Cough Case Confirmed at Caledonia Junior High in Dartmouth

Nova Scotia Health has confirmed a case of whooping cough at a school in Dartmouth, N.S. The affected school is Caledonia Junior High, where staff and families have been notified about the situation. The health authority is currently working with the infected person to identify more close contacts, according to a statement provided to CBC News.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a vaccine-preventable respiratory infection. Dr. Cristin Muecke, regional medical officer of health, reassured the public that the risk of school-aged children and adults becoming seriously ill is low. However, it is important to note that babies who are too young to be vaccinated are at the highest risk of severe illness.

The illness spreads easily from person to person through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Recognizable symptoms of pertussis include deep rapid coughing followed by a distinctive “whoop” sound, vomiting after coughing, coughing that is most severe at night, and apnea (periods of not breathing) in babies.

It is crucial for Nova Scotians to stay informed about their vaccine records. They can access this information at vaxrecordns.nshealth.ca. Additionally, more information about whooping cough can be found on the health authority’s website.