Outbreak of whooping cough at southwest Calgary school

Alberta Health Services has declared an outbreak of whooping cough at a private school in Calgary’s southwest.

There have been eight cases at Waldorf School along Cougar Ridge Drive S.W., which is nearly half of the 19 total cases so far this year.

Whooping cough or pertussis is a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing that lasts for weeks.

It can lead to pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage and even death.

AHS says these cases aren’t considered a risk to the general public but it’s a reminder of the importance of immunization.

The shots are offered free of charge.

Last year, there were 59 cases of whopping cough in the Calgary zone.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today