Parents of students at Huntsville Public School have been sent a letter from the Health Unit informing them that a student at the school has been diagnosed with Pertussis, also known as whooping cough. The letter tells parents that the health unit has been advised that children who attend the school may have come in close contact with the student in question and that they may be at an increased risk of getting Pertussis if their Pertussis immunizations are not up to date. Parents are urged to see their healthcare provider if their child experiences the following symptoms by April 1st:  Low grade fever, sneezing, runny nose, severe persistent cough and vomiting.
For more information on Pertussis, parents were also provided a Pertussis fact sheet. Antibiotics are often prescribed as treatment for Pertussis. For further information, parents are asked to contact the Communicable Disease Team at the Health Unit at 705-721-7520 ext. 8809