No reported cases of whooping cough, flu

There have been no additional reported cases of whooping cough in Morgan County since the initial outbreak this winter, said Morgan County Health Department Administrator Margie Allgyer.

There were five confirmed cases of the disease in Morgan County Schools in mid-December through early January. Whooping cough is also known as pertussis.

The first case of whooping cough was identified at Warm Springs Middle School on December 15. Four additional confirmed cases were found— two at Widmyer Elementary and two at Warm Springs Intermediate School.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease known for its uncontrollable, violent coughing, which can make it difficult to breathe. The disease can strike all ages, but is more severe in young children and babies. It can be fatal, especially in infants under one year of age.

There are also no reported cases of seasonal influenza in the county, Allgyer said. When asked about other illness being seen in the community, she said that there were always colds and intestinal flu going around this time of year.

Cases of influenza reported to Health Departments are laboratory-confirmed through samples sent in by physicians.