CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Several cases of whooping cough have been reported among students at a North Side high school.
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CPDH) announced at least five cases of pertussis were diagnosed among students at Lane Tech since September.
CDPH is now monitoring the situation and communicating with the school community.
Initial symptoms of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, appear similar to a common cold with a “whoop” noise present after coughing bouts, but this can be followed by vomiting and severe issues with breathing.
Symptoms can take up to three weeks to appear, and recovery can be very slow.
Whooping cough can be especially dangerous for infants, with vaccination considered by health officials as the best way to protect against the disease.
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