Whooping cough found at Ashmont School: Alberta Health Services

A case of whooping cough has been found at Ashmont School.

In a letter sent from Alberta Health Services to the school on Jan. 30, Public Health Staff is investigating a case of Pertussis (whooping cough).

The contagious disease usually spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is typically a minor illness in older children and adults.

The letter advises that children diagnosed with whooping cough must not return to the school and should avoid public gatherings and contact with pregnant women and infants until they’ve taken the proper antibiotics for five days.

A persistent cough, coughing spasms with a characteristic “whoop,” or coughing followed by gagging or vomiting may be signs of infection.

The disease can be very serious for babies or young children who are not immunized.