Chatham County reports whooping cough cases

PITTSBORO, N.C. — The Chatham County Public Health Department confirmed Wednesday that one person is infected with whooping cough and more than 100 more may have been exposed to the disease. Even those immunized in childhood are at risk of contracting the disease, the health department warned.

Symptoms are difficulty in breathing and a productive, exhausting coughing spell. The "whoop" is the sound patients make in trying to breath during or after those spells. Whooping cough is spread through face-to-face or direct contact with someone who is infected. It is treated with antibiotics.

The county is working with schools, child care centers and churchs to identify and treat those who may have been exposed to infection.