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Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) said it’s confirmed one case of whooping cough (pertussis) at Ecole Laura Secord Elementary.

In a letter to parents, VCH said students may have been exposed between February 7 and March 7.

.@VCHhealthcare confirms one case of Whooping Cough (Pertussis) at Ecole Laura Secord Elementary. VCH says students may have been exposed between February 7 and March 7. pic.twitter.com/h5tIOo7vZN — Emily Lazatin (@EmilyLazatin) March 9, 2019

Whooping cough is a contagious disease of the lungs and throat caused by bacteria in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person. It is spread when the sick person coughs or sneezes.

Early symptoms are similar to having a cold, and include running nose, low fever and a mild cough.

The health authority also said cases of whooping cough do occur every once in a while in B.C.

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Vancouver Coastal Health is urging parents to make sure vaccinations are up to date.

Island Health has confirmed two cases of whooping cough, one in Saanich at Mount Douglas Secondary School and another at the Chalk Board Theatre Program in Duncan.

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