West Central Health District investigating whooping cough in area

Since Jan. 1 there have four confirmed cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in the West Central Health District that includes Columbus an district workers are in the process of investigating several family clusters where it has occurred.

There have been no associated deaths and there is also no evidence of transmission of the illness outside of the family members.

Whooping cough begins with symptoms that are those of the common cold. It usually starts with a runny nose, sneezing, even a mild fever, but after a week or two, a sever dry cough develops which can last for several weeks. For older children and adults the health impact an be limited with symptoms clearing up without long-term effects. Infants can have serious complications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that infants and children with whooping cough experience coughing spells so violent that they make a whooping sound when they inhale.

Vaccinations for people ages 10-64 are free of charge at every health department in Georgia.