UPDATE: Three Confirmed Cases of Whooping Cough at Souderton High School
By Dan Wing
SOUDERTON, Pa. (CBS) -- A Montgomery County, Pa. high school is dealing with an outbreak of whooping cough, and officials there are asking parents to keep a close watch on their children's health.
The Montgomery County Department of Health says that five ninth-grade students at Souderton Area High School were being tested for the disease (known in the medical community as pertussis), and that three cases have already been confirmed.
And even though many children are vaccinated against the illness, health department spokesman Frank Custer says that doesn't mean they're immune.
"It's still possible to get the disease, but the symptoms are much less severe, and it's less likely it will be transmitted if the person has been vaccinated," he tells KYW Newsradio.
Health officials have declared an "outbreak" status at the school, meaning any student with a cough should stay home until they've been seen by a doctor.
Pertussis is easily spread, and can mimic a common cold in its early stages. But much more serious respitory problems can develop, especially in those who have not been vaccinated.
The Montgomery County Health Department says anyone with concerns or in need of more information can call them at 610-278-5117.
