SULLIVAN COUNTY, N.Y. -- The Sullivan County Public Health Department has confirmed 10 cases and one probable case of pertussis or whooping cough in the county.
County leaders said the confirmed patients and their close contacts are being treated. The health department is working to identify any other cases and control the outbreak.
Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air by cough. It begins with cold symptoms and coughs. It is known for the whooping sound people make when gasping for air after a coughing fit.
It's possible to develop pertussis even if a person has been vaccinated for it.
Anyone with symptoms should immediately see their doctor.