Handful of whooping cough cases reported in Campbell County

There have been five confirmed cases of pertussis — or whooping cough — reported in Campbell County over the past week, according to the state Department of Health.

The illness is a bacterial disease that affects the respiratory system and is most dangerous for infants. There are likely more than just five cases in Campbell County, Health Department epidemiologist Clayton Van Houten said earlier this week, adding that the illness has been found in a “couple family clusters” thus far.

“What we’re finding when we’re investigating is some of the family members, friends and relatives have been sick with symptoms that were very likely pertussis going back about a month,” he told the Star-Tribune. “It’s likely probably been in the community for a month or so, and we’re just now getting some of the (confirmation).”

None of the cases confirmed in Campbell County have involved babies, Van Houten added. Those cases usually involve hospitalization and sometimes can result in death. There have been recent hospitalizations in Wyoming related to pediatric cases, though there have been no reported deaths.

Read more: https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/health/handful-of-whooping-cough-cases-reported-in-campbell-county/article_61774f15-1500-520e-a0f8-0039b992a701.html
(Casper Star Tribune)