Dec 15

Dec 15 Public health: 36 cases of whooping cough in Olmsted Co. since Nov. 1

There have been 36 confirmed cases of whooping cough in Olmsted County since the start of November, according to public health officials.

That's about half the total cases reported all of this year so far.

Many of the cases are popping up in local schools, according to a news release. Olmsted County Public Health says it will continue to monitor news cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory tract infection.

"Pertussis may begin with a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and possibly a low grade fever," said Kari Etrheim, ‎the department's health education manager. "After 1 or 2 weeks, the cough worsens and begins to occur in sudden, uncontrollable bursts. These coughing attacks can end in vomiting and/or in a high-pitched whooping noise."

She said older children and adults may have a less typical cough. The cough can persist for up to 3 months. Read more about pertussis on Mayo Clinic's website.