HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – According to the University of Alabama in Huntsville, whooping cough has been identified on campus.
In a statement shared by the university, school officials said a “limited number of reportable cases” of pertussis, commonly referred to as whooping cough, have been identified. They said the school is taking precautions in order to prevent the spread of infection.
Whooping cough is caused by bacteria infecting the mouth, nose and throat, and is spread through the air by coughing. Symptoms can appear anywhere between five and 21 days after infection.
If you are experiencing cold-like symptoms followed by a cough, you may need to be evaluated by a provider.
For more information about this illness, visit the Alabama Department of Public Health website.