There has been a noticeable increase in the number of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) cases reported in area schools, and the numbers continues to grow in Scott County.
During a Pertussis Outbreak, anyone who has had the following symptoms is considered to be a case of Pertussis and needs to see their doctor for testing and treatment:
prolonged cough (more than a normal cold) coughing "spells or fits", or a whoop with their cough
vomiting after coughing
Pertussis is easily spread to others when someone who has it coughs germs into the air and other people breathe them in. School age children and healthy adults who have Pertussis may not look very sick, but can still spread the disease to other people when they cough.
It is very important for people who have Pertussis to stay at home until they have completed at least five days of the course of treatment prescribed. That means no school, no work, no grocery shopping, no church, etc. Pertussis can cause babies, people with weak immune systems and older people to get very sick or even die.
For more information call the Scott County Health Department at 563-326-8618 or visit www.scottcountyiowa.com/health.
