June 15, 2004

Randolph County Health Department received confirmation from the state health lab of 2 cases of Pertussis (whooping cough). People having known contact with these individuals should contact their physician or the health department for more information and treatment options. The health department strongly encourages parents to have their children vaccinated as soon as possible.

Whooping Cough is a serious bacterial infection of the respiratory system it was named after the “whoop” sound children and adults make when they try to breathe in during or after a severe coughing spell. It is spread by bacteria found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person. Undiagnosed mild disease in older children, adolescents and adults contributes to the spread of the illness among infants and young children.

For more information on click here.
For a Fact Sheet on Pertussis click here.