Ogle County investigates whooping cough outbreak at Oregon High School

The Ogle County Health Department is investigating a pertussis outbreak at Oregon High School.

Pertussis is also known as whooping cough, which can cause serious illness in babies, children, teens, pregnant women and other susceptible adults.

The department says there are eight positive cases of whooping cough at Oregon High School. Health officials are working with the school to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Symptoms of pertussis usually develop within 5 to 10 days after being exposed. Some symptoms take up to three weeks to develop.

Early symptoms may include:

-Runny nose

-Low-grade fever (generally minimal throughout the course of the disease)

-Mild, occasional cough

-Apnea – a pause in breathing (in babies)

Traditional symptoms may include:

-Paroxysms (fits) of many, rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound

-Vomiting (throwing up) during or after coughing fits

-Exhaustion (very tired) after coughing fits

If you happen to experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

For more on the outbreak, contact the Ogle County Health Department at 815-562-6976.