HILLSDALE, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says they have received increased reports of whooping cough in Hillsdale County among school aged children and adults
CHA Director of Personal Health and Disease Prevention Yvonne Atwood says “anyone with Pertussis symptoms need to see their provider right away to get tested. Anyone who wants to check on their immunization history can contact the local health department office and schedule a vaccination appointment if vaccines are due.”
The initial systems for whooping cough last for about a week an make you feel like you have a common cold.
A cough that is often severe then develops and can last as long as twelve weeks.
Young infants can have difficulty breathing and hospitalization may be required.
Health officials say this disease is very contagious and can spread by respiratory droplets from coughing. People who come down with whooping cough can transmit the germ for four weeks after becoming ill.
