There are 4 confirmed cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, at the Village School in Eugene.
The charter school notified students and parents last week. Andy Perra is Executive Director of the Village School. He says 2 of the cases were kids that were up to date on their vaccinations. The other two were not completely vaccinated. Perra says the school has been in close contact with Lane County Public Health.
Perra: "Because of our sort of high level of people who are claiming an exemption from complete vaccination they've been wanting us to be in touch with them about any type of illness that normally would have a vaccination."
Perra says the affected 5th grade students were asked to stay home and obtain treatment. Pertussis is highly contagious and can be deadly, especially to babies. The Village School is currently on spring break. Lane County Public Health strongly recommends people get the vaccine against the illness.
