Evanston Declares 'Whooping Cough' Outbreak

EVANSTON, Ill. (WBBM) -- City of Evanston Health and Human Services officials declared an official outbreak of Pertussis. Five cases have been confirmed in Evanston, and two cases have yet to be confirmed.

Pertussis, commonly known a whooping cough, is a highly infectious disease that is easily transmitted through coughing and sneezing.

Symptoms may appear five to 10 days following exposure, but can last up to 21 days. Usually the infection begins with cold-like symptoms followed by a very pronounced cough that can last for many weeks.

In children the cough is often associated with a distinctive "whooping" sound that may progress to vomiting. A fever is not commonly experienced with the pertussis infection.

Although most people recover completely from pertussis, complications from the disease can be severe in high risk groups, especially infants under one year and children who have not been fully immunized against the disease.

Physicians in Evanston and Skokie are being asked to be aware of the current outbreak status and test any patients who present with even mild symptoms.

For more information on pertussis, contact Margaret Mathias in the City of Evanston Health and Human Services Department, (847) 866-2962.

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Evanston Declares 'Whooping Cough' Outbreak

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