Watch for whooping cough

The Lake County Health Department is investigating 151 cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, an increase from the past two years. Symptoms, including runny nose, low-grade fever, mild coughing, and apnea, usually develop five to 10 days after exposure. Later-stage symptoms include fits of rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched "whoop" sound, and vomiting and exhaustion after coughing fits. Anyone showing symptoms of pertussis should avoid going to school or work until they are evaluated by a health care provider and/or get treatment. The health department offers the DTaP and Tdap vaccinations by appointment at centers throughout Lake County. Call (847) 377-8800.