A member of the Metea Valley community has been diagnosed with pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious airborne disease that spreads easily. Principal Dan DeBruycker sent communication out to Metea Valley parents regarding this at 3:00 pm, Nov. 13.

“Our job as a school is to let the community know [about the disease],” Principal Dan DeBruycker said. “Along with that communication, [there] is a fact sheet about whooping cough specifically that was sent out to all parents.”

The school is unaware whether the diagnosed person is a student or teacher. The diagnosed patient’s information can not be disclosed due to privacy concerns. The district nurses worked with the diagnosed person to ensure their well being and recovery.

Parents are requested to strongly advise their students to stay at home if students have symptoms of a respiratory infection.

“Students or staff who exhibit any of the symptoms of pertussis should contact their healthcare
provider to arrange for prompt testing and appropriate treatment with antibiotics.” the fact sheet stated.