07/21/08

Officials with South Central Public Health District say a 1-year old child in Minidoka County has been diagnosed with pertussis - or what's better known as 'whopping cough'.

This is the first case of pertussis reported within the Magic Valley since May 2007.

There are concerns that the youngster may have exposed other individuals - both in Minidoka County - and Twin Falls - and with the summer travel season - those other people may spread the disease.

Symptoms usually develop within 1 to 2 weeks after contact.

Those early signs include a persistent cough that follows a cold.

The cough usually occurs in explosive bursts ending with a typical high-pitched whoop as the person catches their breath.

The disease can also cause vomiting.

For more information - or if you think you may have been exposed to the disease - you can contact the South Central Public Health District at 734-5900