3 Siblings at Midlothian School Diagnosed with Whooping Cough

Three siblings at Kolmar School in Midlothian have been diagnosed with pertussis, otherwise known as Whooping Cough, according to a notice sent home with students, dated Jan. 5.

The Cook County Department of Public Health describes pertussis as a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. Although it initially resembles an ordinary cold, whooping cough may eventually turn more serious, particularly in infants.

Whooping cough starts like the common cold, with a runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and maybe a mild cough or fever. But after 1–2 weeks, severe coughing can begin, according to the department. Coughs progress into a series of coughing fits that continues for weeks. Whooping cough can cause violent and rapid coughing, over and over, until the air is gone from the lungs and you are forced to inhale with a loud “whooping” sound.

For more information, check the department’s website.

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