Whooping cough confirmed in Washington County

Whooping cough confirmed in Washington County


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LAVERKIN, Utah (AP) -- Ten cases of whooping cough have been confirmed in Washington County.

Lisa Starr, a nurse with the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, says all of the cases are in Hurricane Valley and involve children and adults in an extended family.

Washington County School District officials say once they were told about the cases, they notified parents and contacted the small percentage of students who haven't been immunized for the illness.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by bacteria and often spread through sneezing and coughing.

Children can be susceptible to complications such as pneumonia and brain inflammation.

Information from: The Spectrum

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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