Highly contagious whooping cough detected in Eau Claire County

EAU CLAIRE (WKBT) -- A highly contagious respiratory virus has been detected in Eau Claire County.

The county health department says several cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have been identified.

The illness begins with a low-grade fever, runny nose and a cough. After about a week the cough gets worse and may cause difficulty breathing, vomiting or apnea. A characteristic high-pitched "whoop" sound can occur when breathing in after a coughing fit.

Pertussis can be very serious or deadly for infants. It can cause pneumonia and roughly half of babies that develop pertussis have to be hospitalized.

Babies may not have a cough and instead stop breathing for several seconds, or look like they are gasping for air.

Early treatment with antibiotics can lessen the severity. The health department also encourages people who are pregnant or will be immediately around an infant to be up to date on pertussis vaccinations.

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