Cook, suburban counties seeing outbreak of Whooping Cough

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Updated: December 13, 2011 9:46PM

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois public health officials are alerting residents to a series of pertussis outbreaks in Cook County and the suburban counties.

The Illinois Department of Public Health says that as of Tuesday there are nearly 1,150 pertussis cases statewide. There are 275 in Cook County, 227 in McHenry County, 217 in DuPage County and 112 in Lake County. Pertussis is also known as whooping cough. State officials are urging anyone in close contact with a person with confirmed or suspected pertussis to seek medical attention immediately.

The health department says pertussis outbreaks are cyclical and dramatic spikes are reported every four to five years. There were about 650 whooping cough cases in 2009.

Whooping cough is highly contagious and can last for several months. Vaccines are available.