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Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, has been spreading across Wisconsin and has hit Outagamie County.
The Outagamie County Public Health Division announced yesterday (September 26th) that they, too, have been feeling the effects of the spread of whooping cough.
Since the start of August, there have been seven confirmed cases within the county, with the total number of cases in 2024 sitting at eight.
All of these confirmed cases are in children, as well. Outagamie’s Public Health Division also stated that the cases this year are the first confirmed pertussis cases since 2020. Everyone is susceptible to whooping cough, however, infants and the elderly are the most vulnerable.
Warning signs of the harmful bacterial infection include a runny nose, mild cough, and a low-grade fever, which can develop into a violent, uncontrollable cough if untreated.
Health officials say the best way to prevent the spread of pertussis is through vaccination.
More information on whooping cough and how to get vaccinated can be found online at dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization.
