Two confirmed cases of Pertussis – including an infant – have been diagnosed in Calhoun County, according to the Calhoun County Public Health Department.
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a contagious bacterial disease that affects the respiratory tract.
It can affect people of all ages, but severe illness is more common in young children who have not been immunized. Older children, teens and adults may have milder symptoms.
The Calhoun County Public Health Department says the disease can be hard to diagnose in infants, teens and adults, because their symptoms often look like a cold with a nagging cough.
Exposure to Pertussis usually occurs after repeated indoor face-to-face contact and is most contagious in the early stage of the illness.
If you have any questions on how to receive a vaccination of general information about Pertussis, please contact the Calhoun County Public Health Department at 269-969-6363.
For more information on pertussis, click here.