MALONE -- Several cases of pertussis, a highly contagious disease commonly known as the whooping cough, have been confirmed in Franklin County.

Franklin County Public Health Supervisor Lorraine B. Kourofsky said pertussis can be a very serious illness, particularly for infants less than one year of age.

It starts with cold symptoms and a cough that becomes worse over the course of a week or two and may last for months.

The cough is often worse at night, and cough medicines usually do not alleviate it.

Symptoms usually include a long series of coughs followed by a whooping noise, vomiting, turning blue or difficulty breathing. Older children adults and very young infants may not develop the "whoop."

There is generally only a slight fever associated with the disease.

Pnemonia is the most common complication, but others can include middle-ear infection, loss of appetite, dehydration and neurological symptoms.

Keeping children up to date on vaccinations is the best way to control the spread of the disease, Public Health notes. Children should receive four doses of DTaP vaccine by 15 months, with an additional dose before starting school.

One dose of Tdap -- Adacel -- is recommended for anyone ages 11 and 64.

People who are in direct contact with someone with the disease should receive preventive treatment or prophlaxis with antibiotics.

For more information, call 481-1709 or visit www.cdc.gov.