Kanahooka High School parents have been urged to be on the lookout for symptoms of whooping cough after a confirmed case in a student at the school.
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In a recent letter to parents, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District public health director Curtis Gregory said symptoms included a dry cough, sore throat, runny nose and a cough which was often worse at night or which came in bouts.
Health data reveals there were 69 confirmed cases of whooping cough throughout the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District in January and February.
That compares to 13 cases in the first two months of 2018; although there were 105 cases in January and February 2017.
Across NSW, 1112 cases have been reported so far this year.
Mr Gregory said whooping cough was a respiratory illness and could be treated with antibiotics. Vaccination was the best prevention, but was not 100 per cent effective.
"If you or your child starts coughing please go to your doctor to be tested for whooping cough," he stated. "This is extremely important if there is a baby less than six months of age living in your household."
NSW Health recommends an adult booster vaccine every 10 years to protect from diptheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis).