Fond du Lac County has 15 circulating cases of pertussis. Here's what to know about whooping cough.

FOND DU LAC COUNTY – The Fond du Lac County Health Department issued a warning July 10 that the community has 15 cases of pertussis, also called whooping cough, currently undergoing treatment.

Working with the patients and their providers, the department said in a news release it is ensuring all are treated with the appropriate antibiotics and are minimizing exposure with community members until they are no longer contagious.

Here's more to know about pertussis, including symptoms, what to do if you feel sick and more.

What is pertussis?

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can affect everyone and spreads through coughing, sneezing, talking or other close contact. It can become very serious for pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals and babies younger than 1 year old.

What are the symptoms?

Early symptoms can feel like the common cold — including runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever and a mild occasional cough — but later symptoms can include uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe and could cause vomiting. The whooping cough name comes from the "whooping" sound someone may make as they try to take deep breaths after coughing.

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When should I seek treatment?

If not treated appropriately, the disease can spread up to three weeks after the cough begins. Fond du Lac County Health Department advises seeking treatment as soon as possible: if someone starts treatment during the first one to two weeks before experiencing excessive coughing, later symptoms can be less severe.

How do you know if it's pertussis, a cold or allergies?

Testing is the only way to know for sure if the cold or allergy-like symptoms are pertussis, and the department stressed that anyone experiencing symptoms or anyone who may have been exposed to pertussis should call their primary care provider before visiting a hospital or clinic, as spending time in the waiting room could spread the disease. Those without a primary care provider can reach out to SSM Health Express Clinic at 920-926-8492 for their options.

How do you prevent the spread of pertussis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccination is the best way to prevent pertussis infection. The DTaP vaccine for young children and TDaP vaccine for teens and adults protect against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.

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How do I know if I'm vaccinated?

To check if you or your loved ones are up to date on your vaccinations that protect against pertussis, contact your health care provider or check the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.

Daphne Lemke is the Streetwise reporter for the Fond du Lac Reporter. Contact her at dlemke@gannett.com.