The Grady County Health Department and the Southwest Health District are trying to control an outbreak of pertussis, or whooping cough in and around Cairo
CAIRO, GA. -- The Grady County Health Department and the Southwest Health District are trying to control an outbreak of pertussis, or whooping cough in and around Cairo.
Southwest Health Director Dr. Jacqueline Grant says 12 children and two adults have symptoms of whooping cough - a runny nose, sneezing and fever, and a cough that slowly gets worse. After a couple weeks, the cough develops into spasms or fits followed in children or infants by a whooping sound as they try to catch their breath.
Pertussis in babies can cause breathing problems, pneumonia, and swelling of the brain - which can lead to seizures and brain damage. It may cause death. Contact the Southwest Health District for more information.
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