Two cases of whooping cough have been reported at Auckland secondary schools.
A person at Whangaparāoa College was today confirmed as having whooping cough (pertussis).
Health NZ said this evening: "There is a small chance students and staff may have whooping cough if they have been near this infectious person.
"While the risk is low, please watch for whooping cough symptoms in your child, or as a staff member.
"This is especially important if you have a baby under 12 months in your household, as they can become seriously ill from whooping cough."
Earlier this afternoon, RNZ reported a student at nearby Orewa College was also found to have whooping cough.
Families were alerted by the college today after the school was made aware of the case by a Public Health Nurse.
"There is a small chance students/staff may have whooping cough if they have been near this infectious person. While the risk is low, please watch for whooping cough symptoms in your child," Orewa College said in an email to whānau.
Whooping cough was a bacterial infection that caused coughing fits, Health NZ said.
Early symptoms usually included a runny nose, fever, and dry cough. The cough gradually worsens and lasts for eight to 12 weeks, often developing into long coughing attacks. In babies and young children, coughing attacks often ended with a "whoop" sound as they took a breath, or with vomiting or gagging.
Health NZ said anyone could get the infection, including people who have been immunised or have had whooping cough before.
Vaccination reduced the risk of a serious infection or the need for hospital treatment, Health NZ said. It also helped prevent anyone with the disease from passing it to others.
Anyone who developed early signs of whooping cough lasting for more than two weeks was asked to stay home while unwell; keep away from babies under 12 months old, pregnant women and anyone who was immunocompromised; and call Healthline at 0800 611 116.
Whooping cough immunisation is free for children at 6 weeks, 3 months, 5 months, 4 years and 11 years of age. Boosters are available for adults at 45 and 65 years of age. Pregnant women have also been urged to get immunised.
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