NORMAN — Whooping cough isn’t a problem yet for Cleveland County, but the medical community is on alert in case the illness strikes.

State health officials have reported a whooping cough outbreak. Reports indicate 66 people have been diagnosed with the virus. the illness also is known as pertussis.

Amanda James, public information officer for the Cleveland County Health Department, said no whooping cough cases have been confirmed as of Nov. 29 in the county.

Dr. Robby Frantz, chief operating officer for Morningstar Emergency Physicians, was working Monday at the Norman Regional Hospital emergency department. Frantz said even though he and his co-workers haven’t treated any cases, doctors are on alert.

“We are aware of the symptoms and a little more suspicious,” Frantz said.

He said pertussis symptoms first appear as the common cold. A person develops a runny nose, nasal congestion and a dry cough.

“After a week or two, the symptoms get worse,” Frantz said. “Most colds get better.”

The cold virus goes away after a few days, Frantz said. A patient with pertussis suffers severe coughing attacks.

He said doctors diagnose the illness with a nasal swab.

“It can be difficult because it looks like any other cold,” Frantz said.

He said other diagnosis tools are a throat culture and blood test. Physicians also may request an X-ray because whooping cough can turn into pneumonia.

Frantz said pertussis cases typically rise in fall and winter. its season runs similar to the Influenza virus.

Infants younger than 6 months old are susceptible to whooping cough, Frantz said. That’s because their immune systems haven’t received the full DPT (Diphtheria Pertussis and Tetanus) vaccine.

The immunization is given in at least three doses, beginning at 2 months, Frantz said.

“It provides a lot of protection,” he said.

The pertussis vaccine is one of the best ways to avoid whooping cough. however, its immunity can wear off, Frantz said.

“We’re starting to find some young adults are growing out of the immunity,” he said.

Frantz said doctors aren’t sure why it happens, but they’re learning more about immunity. another pertussis vaccine is recommended at 11 years of age.

Whooping cough is highly contagious.

Frantz reminded people to cover their mouths when they cough and wash their hands frequently.

For patients who are diagnosed with the illness, they should take precautions when around others.

“If you have it, you need to wear a mask if you’re going to be around others,” he said.