Whangaparāoa College: Second Hibiscus Coast school case of whooping cough confirmed
Health authorities in New Zealand have confirmed a second case of whooping cough at a Hibiscus Coast high school. Officials are urging parents to monitor for symptoms, particularly to protect infants who are at high risk of severe complications.
Why it matters
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be fatal to infants, making school-based outbreaks a significant public health concern.
A second Auckland high school student has whooping cough after a student from a neighbouring college contracted the illness.
“Health New Zealand can confirm individuals who attend Ōrewa College and Whangaparāoa College have recently been confirmed as having whooping cough [pertussis]”, National Public Health Service (NPHS) northern region medical officer of health Dr Michael Hale said.
Notices were sent to the communities of both schools – which are 9km apart – with parents told that while there was a “small chance” students and staff may have whooping cough if they’d been near the infectious person, a close watch should be kept for symptoms.
“This is especially important if you have a baby under 12 months in your household, as they can become seriously ill from whooping cough.”
Whangaparāoa College has been approached for comment.
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