Whooping cough confirmed in Round Lake

A cluster of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, has been confirmed in the Round Lake area, and county health officials are alerting the public in hopes of stopping its spread.

One confirmed and 13 probable cases of the highly contagious condition have been reported in Round Lake and Round Lake Beach in persons ranging in age from six weeks to 32 years old, county health officials said Friday.

The cases involve members of five families. Two infants from separate families have been hospitalized, according to Victor Plotkin, epidemiologist for the county health department.

Health officials said the results were confirmed Thursday, and they want to proceed with a public notification to prevent the spread of the disease, which potentially can be life-threatening to infants.

"Usually, pertussis outbreaks are tedious and hard to control. Unfortunately, people when they're the most contagious often take it as a common cold," Plotkin said.

The incidence of whooping cough has increased nationally, statewide and locally, Plotkin said. In Lake County through July, there were 32 confirmed cases compared with seven cases for the same time last year.

"We want to control it before school starts," Plotkin said.

Pertussis can be prevented by immunizations and is treatable when diagnosed early, although over the counter medications are ineffective and even people who had the vaccine can get the illness, which can last several months.

Initial symptoms are similar to a cold accompanied with coughing. The cough gradually becomes worse, with coughing spasms that can end in vomiting or a high-pitched "whoop" sound.

It's spread through direct contact with discharges from the mouth and nose of infected persons. Symptoms usually appear in five to 10 days, but can take as long as three weeks after exposure.

Plotkin said those who have had a cough for two or more weeks, particularly if it tends to be worse at night and sound different from a typical upper respiratory cough, should call a doctor.

"It's very difficult to control the cough. It is a severe illness. It's not like a common cold," Plotkin said.

Early treatment is important, according to the health department, and it is important that all household members and close contacts be treated the same way at the same time as the ill person. Those with cough illnesses of an unknown origin should stay away from pregnant women and babies under six months.

Plotkin said it would be unlikely the source of this cluster would be determined, and the strategy is focused on public education.

"It's like a brush fire. It keeps going and going," Plotkin said.