Cases of whooping cough spread through Capital Region - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

Cases of whooping cough spread through Capital Region

SARATOGA COUNTY - The New York State Department of Health says there are 34 confirmed cases of whooping cough in the Capital Region, primarily in Saratoga and Montgomery Counties.

The state Health Department says this number of whooping cough cases is fairly typical for this time of year, but still something people should be aware of.

They say the number of confirmed cases could actually be higher, with some cases going undiagnosed or county health departments still awaiting test results.

Symptoms usually start off similar to a cold, including a cough and runny nose, which develops into a heavy hacking cough within a couple weeks. If not treated, it could turn into pneumonia.

Whooping cough is usually treated with antibiotics, but it is important for people - both children and adults - to get vaccinated. Doctors say it is highly contagious spread through the air and can take at least five days for the antibiotics to take effect.

As a precaution, some school districts in the area, including Shenendehowa and Broadalbin Perth, have sent notices home to parents to be aware of the symptoms.