Grant County health officials have confirmed three cases and one probable case of pertussis, better known as whooping cough.  The Grant County Health District says all of the cases are in Ephrata and there have been no hospitalizations.  There are additional cases possible.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease only found in humans and is spread through the air.  People with whooping cough usually spread the disease by coughing, sneezing or spending a lot of time near one another in a shared breathing space.

The Grant County Health Officer has recommended antibiotics for those infected.

Heather Massart, Public Information Officer at the Grant County Health District  says early symptoms of whooping cough appear to be cold-like symptoms and are often over looked.  The early signs last up to weeks and include a runny nose, mild, occasional cough, low grade fever and babies can experience apnea or a pause in breathing.  Late symptoms after 1 to 2 weeks can include a log series of coughs or "coughing fits" and/or rapid coughs followed by a high pitched "whoop" sound

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