(Juneau) The Dodge County Public Health Department is urging caution as whooping cough cases continue to rise. Local health officials say as of September 30th the state has confirmed 849 cases, impacting 54 counties since January 1st. The highly contagious respiratory illness can lead to serious health complications, especially in infants and vulnerable populations.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services 42-percent of the reported cases involve adolescents aged 11-to-18 years of age. The state health department notes that 42 infants have been diagnosed with whooping cough this year, with eight requiring hospitalization. No deaths have been reported to date.
Dodge County health officials encourage the public to get vaccinated and follow medical guidance. They also say recognizing the symptoms is important. Symptoms can include a runny nose and a mild cough, but can progress to severe coughing fits, vomiting, and a characteristic whooping sound when inhaling after a coughing.
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