The Riley County Health Department is reporting a case of pertussis (whooping cough) affecting an infant in Riley county, as well as two suspected cases involving a school age child and a young adult.
Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a bacterial disease that is easily transmitted from person to person. It spreads through the air during talking, sneezing or coughing. It can be a very serious illness, especially for young infants. During the first 1 to 2 weeks, persons with whooping cough may only experience a runny nose and non-productive cough, similar to a cold. Young children may have more serious coughing fits, often followed by a whooping sound as they try to catch their breath. After coughing, a person often feels well. Coughing spells may continue for several weeks or months. Adults and children 7 years of age and older who get whooping cough may have only a prolonged cough.
It is critical that children, as well as their parents and caregivers, get vaccinated for pertussis to prevent this highly contagious illness which can be easily spread to other family members and community members.
For more information on whooping cough or to get vaccinated, contact the Riley County Health Department at 785-776-4779, ext 134 or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at 1-877-427-7317.
