COLCHESTER, Ill. — Officials with the McDonough County Health Department are warning the public about a case of whooping cough that was identified at a local school.
According to the health department, a case of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, was found at West Prairie Junior and Senior High School. A press release didn't specify whether the case was identified in a student or staff member, and the department said it's working with the school and local healthcare providers to help limit the disease's spread.
Whooping cough can last for weeks or months in severe cases and can even lead to vomiting. Health experts said the disease usually starts off like a cold, with symptoms including a runny nose, low fever and mild cough. It's especially dangerous for infants and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Additionally, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, whooping cough rates in the state are increasing. Officials said the best protection is ensuring your whooping cough vaccine is up to date.
Anyone with symptoms of whooping cough should contact a doctor immediately. If you're exposed to the disease, officials with the McDonough County Health Department recommend adhering to the following guidelines:
- If you have a cough: Stay home from school, work, and other activities or events.
- Make an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible and tell them that you have been exposed to pertussis.
- If you have been told by a doctor that you have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor to prescribe antibiotics as soon as possible as a post-exposure prophylactic step to prevent pertussis, even if you are not currently coughing.
- If you have been exposed to pertussis and live with a woman who is pregnant, an infant younger than 12 months old or anyone with a weakened immune system, your healthcare provider should prescribe antibiotics even if you are not currently coughing.
