Louisiana state health officials have identified five potential cases of pertussis among vaccinated students at Metairie Park Country Day School near New Orleans, reports the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can produce uncontrollable coughing making it hard to breathe. It can affect people of all ages, but can be especially serious or deadly for infants, according to the US CDC.

Five potential cases of pertussis had been identified by state health officials, according to a statement released by Country Day. Officials determined a possible sixth case was not whooping cough as of Thursday (May 16), the statement said.
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