Marathon County Health Department. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Marathon County Health Department has reported several cases of whooping cough.
The disease, also known as pertussis, is highly contagious and can be serious in children, infants pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. Health officials didn’t specify how many cases have been reported but did say that the increase is consistent with levels reported nationwide and in Wisconsin.
Symptoms start as a cold and progress to severe coughing fits with a distinctive “whooping” sound, sometimes leading to vomiting. Symptoms typically appear 7-10 days after exposure but can occur as early as 5 days and as late as 21 days after exposure. Antibiotics are the most common course of treatment.
Those showing symptoms should self-isolate and consult with their medical provider.
The CDC reports that pertussis cases have tripled nationwide in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, returning to pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019.
Whooping Cough outbreaks have also been reported in the Fox Valley and Oneida County.
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