Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9307423&nav=menu1362_2_1
38 Cases of Whooping Cough Reported in Winnebago County
Updated: Nov 7, 2008 10:15 AM
WINNEBAGO COUNTY - The Winnebago County Health Department is handling an outbreak of whooping cough.
38 cases of Pertussis, or whooping cough, have been identified since October 31 among people ranging from infant-aged to 75 years old. 28 of those cases are contained, the other 10 are not related to that group.
The larger group involves a local private school. School administrators there have been notified and precautions are being taken. Local medical facilities have also been notified about the outbreak.
The health department says no one has been hospitalized or died from the outbreak.
Last year Winnebago County only had one case of whooping cough.
Symptoms of whooping cough start with a runny nose, mild fever and mild cough. Coughing attacks occur more frequently at night and last for several weeks. It is spread by coughing and sneezing and is highly contagious.
Children and the elderly are at the highest risk of catching the disease and are urged to get vaccinated. Children with whooping cough should stay out of school for five days while they take antibiotics. The health department advises anyone who has a cough to stay away from pregnant women and babies under the age of 6 months.
For childhood immunization information call 815-720-4150.
For adult immunization information call 815-720-4264.
For more information regarding communicable disease call 815-720-4050.
38 Cases of Whooping Cough Reported in Winnebago County
Updated: Nov 7, 2008 10:15 AM
WINNEBAGO COUNTY - The Winnebago County Health Department is handling an outbreak of whooping cough.
38 cases of Pertussis, or whooping cough, have been identified since October 31 among people ranging from infant-aged to 75 years old. 28 of those cases are contained, the other 10 are not related to that group.
The larger group involves a local private school. School administrators there have been notified and precautions are being taken. Local medical facilities have also been notified about the outbreak.
The health department says no one has been hospitalized or died from the outbreak.
Last year Winnebago County only had one case of whooping cough.
Symptoms of whooping cough start with a runny nose, mild fever and mild cough. Coughing attacks occur more frequently at night and last for several weeks. It is spread by coughing and sneezing and is highly contagious.
Children and the elderly are at the highest risk of catching the disease and are urged to get vaccinated. Children with whooping cough should stay out of school for five days while they take antibiotics. The health department advises anyone who has a cough to stay away from pregnant women and babies under the age of 6 months.
For childhood immunization information call 815-720-4150.
For adult immunization information call 815-720-4264.
For more information regarding communicable disease call 815-720-4050.