Whooping Cough Case Reported at Valley Elementary

One of five new cases of whooping cough in San Diego County was reported at Valley Elementary on Thursday.

The student, an 8-year-old is among the 29 confirmed cases of whooping cough in 2011, also known as pertussis, according to the Health and Human Services Agency. In 2010, 1,137 cases were reported.

County health officials urged residents to get themselves and their children vaccinated against the disease.

Pertussis typically starts with a cough and runny nose for up to two weeks, followed by weeks to months of rapid coughing fits that sometimes end with a whooping sound.

 The illness, which might include a mild fever, is treatable with antibiotics.