On average, in Illinois there are about 150 cases of pertussis reported annually. Complications of pertussis can be severe, particularly in children younger than 1 year of age. Although infrequent, complications affecting the brain, such as convulsions and inflammation, may occur, especially in infants, can have long-term effects or cause death. The Department, through local health departments, has offered antibiotics, for those in northwestern Illinois who are ill and are close contacts of those ill. Physicians and schools in the area have received letters warning them to be on the lookout for pertussis symptoms.
Pertussis is highly contagious and spread to others through coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms usually appear five to 10 days after exposure, but can take as long as 21 days. The cough gradually becomes severe and, after one to two weeks, the patient has spasmodic bursts of numerous, rapid coughs. During such an attack, the patient may turn blue, vomit and become exhausted. Between coughing attacks, the patient usually appears normal. Coughing attacks occur more frequently at night.