Cape Cod Hospital Employees Have Whooping Cough

HYANNIS: Cape Cod Hospital spokesman David Reilly told HyannisNews today that 3 Hospital Employees, all of whom work in the Oncology Department at Cape Cod Hospital have been diagnosed with Pertussis, more commonly known as Whooping Cough.

It is possible that the infected staff members may have come into contact with up to 1000 people between May 17 and June 6th. The hospital is making an oral antibiotic available to anyone who may have come into contact with these employees.  It is not believed any patients have contracted the infection. The antibiotic is usually taken over several days.

Whooping Cough is a very treatable ailment. It usually starts off with upper respiratory infection with cold like symptoms that turn into a cough that can last for several weeks.

Anyone experiencing any such symptoms are urged to contact the hospital or better yet report to the emergency room.

PHOTO: Satellite News Vehicles from Channel 7 and 25 are stationed at CCH to go live for the late newscast.