Case of ‘Whooping Cough’ Reported at C-G High

School nurse Martha Manno sent an email Wednesday evening to parents  of students warning of a recent case of pertussis, also known as “whooping cough," at the school.

Pertussis can cause serious illness in children and adults and can even be life-threatening, especially when it comes to infants.

Warning signs include:

• Cold-like symptoms including runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and mild cough

• Severe, long bouts of coughing may cause vomiting, loss of breath, difficulty catching breath and can cause those infected to turn blue

• Characteristic “whoop” sound may be heard when inhaling after a period of coughing

The McHenry County Department of health, in a memo sent to the school nurse and forwarde to parents, said that nine cases of pertussis were reported in McHenry County in 2010. Sixty cases were reported in 2009.

Statewide, Illinois had more than 1,000 cases reported last year.

Last year 27,550 cases of pertussis were reported in the U.S., but many more go undiagnosed and unreported. Ten infants died in the U.S. due to last year’s outbreak.

It takes seven to 10 days after exposure to develop symptoms.

Tips on preventing pertussis offered by the McHenry County Department of Health:

How is pertussis spread?

Pertussis is spread through close contact with mouth or nose secretions and possibly by direct hand contact with contaminated secretions.  Because pertussis is a highly communicable disease, those with pertussis may be excluded from school, work and other group settings until they receive appropriate evaluation and treatment.  

How is pertussis treated?

Pertussis is easily treated with antibiotics.  People living in the same household and others that have been in close contact with an infected person should also take antibiotics.  

How is pertussis prevented?

Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable disease.  However, protection is incomplete and decreases over time after routine childhood immunization.  Adolescent pertussis boosters as well as booster shots for adults have been approved for use in those older than 10 years of age.  

Talk to your child’s healthcare provider to determine if a booster vaccination is appropriate for your child.  If your child needs a booster and you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover vaccinations, contact the McHenry County Department of Health at (815) 334-4500 for an Immunization Clinic appointment.