Update: Health department says not all Manogue students need treatment after outbreak of whooping cough

Update 5 p.m. Monday:

The Washoe County Health Department said that after talking to people in the medical community on Tuesday, it is no longer recommending that all Bishop Manogue students seek treatment for whooping cough.

On Monday, the Catholic high school said it was closing for a week and canceling activities until Nov. 4 after four students were diagnosed with whooping cough. 

According to an updated letter being sent to Bishop Manogue families, the health district said, "The Center for Disease Controls says a broad use of prophylaxis may be appropriate in limited closed settings; however, if students are asymptomatic, there is no recommendation from the Washoe County Health District at this time to treat or test for pertussis" -- the medical name for whooping cough.

According to the letter, students in sports may participate in sports next week if they do not show signs of whooping cough, are current on a pertussis vaccination and are being treated by a doctor with antibiotics. 

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After four students were diagnosed with whooping cough, Bishop Manogue Catholic High School canceled school this week and canceled all activities until Nov. 4.

The school in south Reno is also asking students, even if they aren't showing symptoms, to see a doctor for antibiotics as recommended by the Washoe County Health District. 

The Washoe County School District said that as of Monday night, there are no reports of the highly contagious respiratory tract infection at any of its schools. 

"The health and well-being of our students is our most important priority at Bishop Manogue and our administrative team is currently working on making the necessary scheduling accommodations to account for the class time missed during this period,” said Manogue's Principal Bri Thoreson in a note to parents.  

Manogue said the Washoe County Health District is requesting that all student illnesses be reported. 

The contagious disease is known for a severe hacking cough and then a high-pitched breath.

Since a vaccine was developed, the disease mostly affects young children and infants who have not been fully vaccinated.

Advice from the Washoe County Health District:

For patients coughing less than 21 days who may have been exposed: Have a doctor test for whooping cough, treat with antibiotics while waiting for test results, communicate results to daycare and schools, provide antibiotics to all household members. 

Siobhan McAndrew tells stories about the people of Northern Nevada and covers education in Washoe County. Read her journalism right here. Consider supporting her work by subscribing to the Reno Gazette Journal.