Whooping cough outbreak reported at Catholic school in York City

March 27--York City health officials say there has been an outbreak of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, among students at a Catholic school in the city.

Three students at St. Patrick Catholic School, 235 S. Beaver St., have tested positive for the ailment, and tests on additional students are pending, according to a Friday press release issued by the York City Bureau of Health.

Whooping cough is a respiratory infection and causes prolonged coughing or fits of coughing that could include gagging and vomiting, according to officials.

The bacteria that causes whooping cough is spread from by coughing or sneezing. Fever may or may not be present, the bureau says.

Children with a cough thought to be whooping cough should not go to school or out in public until being checked out by a doctor, the bureau advises.

Infants and young children are most commonly affected by whooping cough. It can be fatal, especially in babies less than 1 year of age, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

A laboratory test can be ordered by the doctor and a prescription for an antibiotic can be given to clear the infection. In many cases, family members may also need to be treated for secondary infections, officials say.

Childhood immunizations for whooping cough are required for school attendance. However, immunity from some vaccines can decrease with time, leaving some children susceptible.

Booster vaccines might also be part of treatment for both the child with whooping cough and family members and other close contacts, the bureau says.

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