Staff at SAU 16 have been working with the NH Department of Health and Human Services to control pertussis in the Exeter High School. Pertussis - also known as whooping cough - is a cough syndrome caused by infection by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Since the first patients were confirmed at our school in June 2018, it appears the number of new cases has decreased and is back to our community's baseline level. To protect yourself and prevent additional cases, please be sure that you and your family are up to date on your vaccinations and, if your child is exhibiting signs of pertussis, please keep your child home from school and school-related events and seek medical care with your usual provider. Also, remember to practice good hand and respiratory hygiene. Thank you in advance for helping us to keep our community as healthy as possible.