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Keep An Eye Out For Whooping Cough

Lexington-Fayette County Health Department

Health officials in Lexington say more cases of whooping cough have been confirmed at an elementary school.

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department says in a statement there have been three more cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, at Clays Mill Elementary School, bringing the total to five. The agency says any high-risk students, such as those with weakened immune systems, who were exposed to the illness should take preventive antibiotics.

Officials say any students with symptoms of pertussis should see a physician for an evaluation even if they have been vaccinated.

Early symptoms of the illness are similar to a common cold and include runny nose, sneezing and coughing. The coughing typically gets worse over time, coming in uncontrollable bursts.