KANSAS CITY—Health officials in Kansas City are working with school officials after a confirmed case of whooping cough/ pertussis, was confirmed in the Blue Springs School District, according to the Jackson County Public Health Department.
Pertussis is a contagious respiratory illness similar to the common cold. However it can have very serious complications, especially for infants or for those with chronic health conditions.
The school district is working with county health officials to prevent the spread. Jackson County Health officials haved seen increased numbers of cases over the past month.
Symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Mild cough that gradually gets worse
- Low-grade fever
- Coughing fits that can cause vomiting or gagging
- Whooping sound during coughing fits
According to the CDC, symptoms typically show up within seven to 10 days of being exposed. Click here for additional details.