TIOGA COUNTY, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Tioga County Public Health department is advising all county residents of multiple reported cases of Pertussis, widely known as Whooping Cough, within the county. Whooping Cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads via airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing. Whooping Cough mainly impacts the respiratory system and can last for weeks at a time.

The early symptoms of whooping cough include runny or stuffed nose, fever of less than 100.4 degrees, mild coughing, apnea, and cyanosis in young children and babies. Vaccination is available for Whooping Cough, and although it does not prevent contraction, it greatly reduces the impact of symptoms.

Whooping cough is very dangerous to young children and babies, as well as those with a weak immune system, therefore those who have been diagnosed with whooping cough are advised to stay home and avoid close contact with others.