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RI confirms 8 cases of whooping cough
Officials working to control outbreak
Updated: Monday, 09 Jan 2012, 4:58 PM EST
Published : Monday, 09 Jan 2012, 4:58 PM EST
BARRINGTON, R.I. (AP) - Eight elementary and middle school students in Rhode Island have been diagnosed with whooping cough, also known as pertussis.
State health officials say they're working with local school officials to control the outbreak, which so far has affected eight students who attend either Hampden Meadows Elementary School or Barrington Middle School.
The state's Health Department says it expects to identify additional cases. A pediatrician diagnosed the first case on Dec. 22. Since then the state has notified health care providers throughout the state to be on the lookout for the bacterial infection.
Whooping cough is highly contagious, though it can be prevented through vaccination. Symptoms include violent coughing spells that make it difficult to breathe.
About 60 cases of whooping cough are identified in Rhode Island each year.
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