The Winnebago County Health Department is investigating a pertussis outbreak. It’s associated with cases in Rockford Public Schools. The cases are in seven schools including Auburn and Jefferson high schools; West Middle School; and Carlson, Haskell, Riverdahl and West View elementary schools. The outbreak has affected at least two dozen people aged 2 to 42 years of age.
Todd Kisner, with the health department, says those affected are being treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms are similar to a cold, but can be more severe and last much longer. Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable disease.
