LAKEVILLE, MASS. (WHDH) - The Board of Health in Lakeville has confirmed two cases of whooping cough at a middle school and says they’re looking into several other suspected cases.
Lakeville Public Health Nurse Lori Desmarais wrote in a letter that two people at the Freetown-Lakeville Middle School have whooping cough, also known as pertussis.
She added that a number of other people have shown symptoms and two students have cultures pending.
Whooping cough is a disease caused by bacteria that spreads from person to person within close contact, according to an informational guide given out to parents and guardians.
Pertussis usually begins with cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose, sneezing, and a dry cough. This then leads to uncontrollable coughing spells, often followed by vomiting.
Anyone with symptoms is urged to seek medical treatment.
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