MARQUETTE, MI— Pertussis—or whooping cough—has been diagnosed in a member of the Northern Michigan University community.
The illness is caused by a type of bacteria that can be spread through sneezing and coughing.
In the early stage, pertussis can resemble a common cold. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, mild dry cough and low-grade fever. After one to two weeks, more serious “coughing spells” develop that can last for more than a minute and result in difficulty breathing. At the end of a coughing spell, the individual may make a high pitched “whooping” sound as they try to catch their breath.
While most adults who come down with pertussis have mild symptoms, the illness can be serious, even fatal, especially for those with health conditions that make them vulnerable, or the very young who have not yet built up an immunity to the disease.
Vaccinations have made pertussis a rare disease, but those over 10 should get a booster.
The NMU-affiliated individual is working closely with the Marquette County Health Department, and those known to have been in close contact with the individual are being notified by Health Department officials.
