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Whooping cough on the rise in Peoria County

By WEEK Reporter
December 3, 2012 Updated Dec 4, 2012 at 10:42 AM CDT

PEORIA, Ill. -- Pertussis, or whooping cough, cases are on the rise in Peoria County.

The respiratory bacterial infection is very contagious and can cause serious complications to infants and children who have not been fully immunized against the disease.

Symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a common cold with an occasional cough, which gradually become more severe.

Experts say children who are fully vaccinated are protected from the virus more than 90 percent of the time.

Pregnant women and anyone caring for infants are encouraged to be vaccinated as well.

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