Illness outbreak shuts down Seattle high school

With more than 150 students out sick Tuesday, Seattle’s
Bishop Blanchet High School has declared an emergency
closure for at least two days.

In a letter to families, principal Kristine Brynildsen-
Smith addressed that many students were out sick, and at least three had been diagnosed with Pertusis (whooping cough), a flu
virus of high fever, congestion and cough or are
experiencing symptoms.

While school is closed through at least Thursday, student
athletics will go on as scheduled after Blanchet
administrators consulted with local health officials.

The Washington State Department of Health has reported
whooping cough cases reaching unprecedented epidemic
levels. King County health officials report 187 confirmed
cases so far in 2012.

But James Apa, spokesman with the Public Health Seattle &
King County, says after reviewing the Blanchet
illnesses, officials believe the outbreak is influenza
related rather than whooping cough.

“We know that Pertusis is in the community, but based on
what they’re describing to us this really sounds flu
driven.”

Apa says the department is not recommending the school
closure because it likely won’t prevent any further
illness given the large number of students and staff
already experiencing symptoms.

But health officials are encouraging people to check with
their doctors to make sure their vaccinations are current
to protect against Pertusis.

Most insurance plans cover the vaccinations. But Governor
Gregoire recently took emergency action to free up state
money to purchase more vaccine and make it available to
those lacking coverage.