Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, can be very dangerous. It's a respiratory illness spread by coughing and sneezing. The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department now confirming two cases. Whooping cough is highly contagious and potentially fatal.
The health department has confirmed two cases of whooping cough in school-aged children, with seven other potential cases pending lab results. Since 2005, the health department has only seen 24 cases of whooping cough. The Pertussis vaccine is required for school-aged children and recommended every ten years for adults. The early symptoms are similar to a common cold; runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, low-grade fever and coughing. But, after one to two weeks, the cough becomes violent, making it hard to breath and often leads to vomiting. and it can be deadly for infants. If parents see any symptoms, they should contact their child's doctor immediately.
The health department also sent a letter home with students in the Fayette County Public Schools informing parents of the two confirmed cases.
