No increase in whooping cough in Kane County

Unlike McHenry and Winnebago counties, no increase in cases of whooping cough have been reported in Kane County.

"As of the end of October, we have 9 cases confirmed for the whole year," said Cindy Gross, epidemiologist for the Kane County Health Department. "Last year in 2007, we had a total of 14 cases. Thankfully, we haven't seen an increase like the other counties, but we have our eyes and ears open."

McHenry County health authorities said Thursday they have confirmed four cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, in the last month. They usually see only one case per month.

Winnebago County has had 38 cases of whooping cough since the end of October, with 28 of the cases from a private school. The other ten cases are unrelated to that group. No deaths have been reported and the disease can be treated with antibiotics.

Pertussis is caused by a bacteria and is a highly contagious disease spread from the nose and throat through coughing and sneezing. Early symptoms are similar to a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough and a low-grade fever.

Over time, the cough becomes more severe and a person will experience bursts of numerous, rapid coughs. The disease can be fatal in extreme cases, particularly for infants.

The pertussis vaccine is administered as part of routine immunizations for infants and children, but neither the vaccine or the disease itself produces lifelong immunity.

According to health authorities, recent cases have occurred in children and adults.