Health officials in Weld County said on Friday that pertussis, or whooping cough, has become widespread in Windsor-area schools.
Seven cases of the bacterial infection have been reported in the area in the past month, according to the county.
“We want the public to take this disease seriously,” Dr. Mark Wallace, executive director of the county’s health department, said in a statement. “For every diagnosed case, there are at least 9 to 10 undiagnosed cases.”
The county has seen 116 cases of pertussis this year, already matching all cases seen in 2013, the department said.
Health officials are urging people to get vaccinations.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause rapid coughs, vomiting or breathlessness. The infection can last several months and, in serious cases, be fatal.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or
