An outbreak of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has been declared by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department after nine confirmed cases since late last month.
Three of those cases were confirmed earlier this week. They include a case at Lafayette High School, a case at St. Peter and Paul Catholic School and a community case of a person in their 80s.
Other cases have been reported at Bryan Station High School and Lexington Catholic High School.
The Health Department is reminding families to make sure their kids are fully vaccinated against whooping cough, and to watch out for symptoms.
Early symptoms include a runny nose, a low fever, and sneezing or coughing. Coughing spells can get worse after a couple of weeks, and can include vomiting or exhaustion.
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