Whooping Cough Case Reported at Woodland Hills High School

has issued a letter to parents and guardians about a case of pertussis disease, otherwise known as whooping cough, and an incident of exposure at .

The letter assures that the single case was treated, and there is no real threat, according to a Woodland Hills Update report. It also contains information about the disease symptoms, spread, treatment, and prevention.

“The Allegheny County Health Department was informed and the case was treated appropriately,” Johnson wrote in the letter.

The disease is a respiratory bacterial infection. Symptoms include “inflammation of the nose and throat passages, irritating cough, and a characteristic inhaling ‘whoop.’”

It is spread by direct contact with the mucus discharged by an infected person or by air contact. It is treated with antibiotics and can be prevented by a booster shot that should be taken at the ages of 11 and 12.

Parents can contact Ms. Andrea Kennedy, school nurse, if they have questions or concerns. She can be contacted at 412-244-1100 extension 5150. The Allegheny County Health Department can also be contacted at 412-578-8062.