According to an article in the Wausau Daily Herald there is an outbreak of Pertussis, A.K.A. whooping cough, in North Central Wisconsin. There are over 100 confirmed cases. The Marathon County Health Department is working with area school districts to help prevent the spread of the illness.

Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes violent, uncontrollable coughing. It can cause permanent disability in infants and even death. Whooping cough can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in infants and young children.

This respiratory infection can be passed from infected adults that have no symptoms to babies. So all child care providers, parents, grandparents, and anyone else who comes in regular contact with your baby should be vaccinated.

Here is a link to Ministry Health Care for more information on Pertussis including symptoms and treatment. http://ministryhealth.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=117&pid=1&gid=001561 

If your child is exhibiting any of the symptoms (similar to the common cold) they should stay home and see a physician.

Here is a blog a mother posted about her baby's struggle with Pertussis...it is very difficult to read, but it's worth it. http://shotbyshot.org/pertussis/kaliahs-story/