State health officials are investigating at least five potential cases of whooping cough among vaccinated students at Metairie Park Country Day School.
The highly contagious respiratory infection can cause uncontrollable coughing and make it difficult to breathe and is potentially deadly for infants.
School officials have confirmed four of the cases were confirmed in a classroom that had a mix of both third and fourth graders.
Officials say the effectiveness of the pertussis vaccine may lessen over time.
Parents are being asked to help minimize the spread of the illness by watching for signs of the illness among their children and keeping them away from others if they believe they may be sick.
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