Whooping Cough Case Reported at St. Cyril School of Jerusalem

An elementary school student at St. Cyril School of Jerusalem is reported to have been exposed to pertussis, or whooping cough as it is commonly known, this week.

St. Cyril School of Jerusalem issued letters to all parents Thursday notifying them that there is one reported case of pertussis at the school. All local schools are urging parents and students to make sure they have an up-to-date pertussis vaccination.

Last year, more than 7,800 whooping cough cases statewide were reported, including 10 infant deaths – three from Los Angeles County. This is the worst outbreak the state has seen in 50 years, according to the California Department of Health.

In response to the state whooping cough epidemic, a new California law effective July 2011 will require every middle and high school student in California to be vaccinated against pertussis. All students entering seventh through eighth grades in public and private schools must show proof of their immunization, or "Tdap" booster shots, before enrolling in the new academic year.

Previously, the booster shot was only a recommendation. It protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. While whooping cough is not considered fatal in school age children, it can be fatal for infants, according to the California Department of Health.

Pertussis typically starts with a cough and runny nose for up to two weeks, followed by weeks to months of rapid coughing fits that sometimes end with a whooping sound. The illness, which might include a mild fever, is treatable with antibiotics.

"This is an epidemic that is reaching numbers we've never seen before in Los Angeles County," said Director of Public Health Jonathan E. Fielding in a press release. "This disease can be prevented with a vaccine and I urge everyone who is eligible to take advantage of this protection for themselves and their loved ones. If you have not already done so, make it a priority this weekend to get vaccinated."

For more information on preventing the spread of whooping cough or other illnesses, visit the Public Health website at publichealth.lacounty.gov.