Visitor on WMU's campus diagnosed with whooping cough
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Western Michigan University officials confirmed an individual who visited main campus June 18 and 19 has been diagnosed with a pertussis infection, or whooping cough.
WMU has been working closely with Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services upon learning the information.
Pertussis is caused by bacteria spread through sneezing and coughing. The time between exposure to the bacteria and disease symptoms is usually between a week to 10 days; in rare cases, it can take up to three weeks.
Immune-compromised individuals and infants are at greater risk with pertussis exposures. In the early stage of illness, pertussis can resemble a common cold. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, mild dry coughing and low-grade fever. The disease is most contagious during this time.
Information on the infection and its progression is available at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Pertussis.
If you are not fully protected against pertussis, please contact your doctor or the Sindecuse Health Center for immunization.