Corning, Calif. -- Officials In Tehama County have a confirmed case of Whooping Cough.

An unnamed student attending Corning High School came down with the illness and may have exposed other students at Corning High and Richfield School. No further information is available about the student or their condition.

Because of a Whooping Cough epidemic in California, Tehama County officials have been holding vaccination clinics throughout the county since August. They will continue at a number of locations throughout the county.

Gerber School: Tuesday, September 7th, 3:00 to 6:00 pm Corning High School: Wednesday, September 8th, 1:30 to 5:30 pm Richfield School: Wednesday, September 8th, 1:30 to 5:30 pm

Families are encouraged to attend the clinic that best fits their schedule. Parents must either be present for student vaccination or send a completed parent permission slip with their child. Please visit the Tehama County Department of Education website or your school’s office to obtain a parent permission slip, vaccine information sheet, and flyer for the upcoming vaccine clinics by clicking here.

California Epidemic California is experiencing an epidemic of Pertussis with 7 times more cases reported this year than last year.

Pertussis is a bacterial disease that is easily transmitted from person to person by talking, sneezing, or coughing. Sharing or handling items such as cups or tissues that have been used by someone with Pertussis can also transmit it. It is especially dangerous for infants who are not fully immunized.

Symptoms Early signs of pertussis include cold-like symptoms: -Runny Nose -Sneezing -Mild or No Fever -Cough

The severity of the cough gradually increases and can continue for several weeks or months. The “whoop” sound often associated with the pertussis cough varies.

During the first one to two weeks of infection, persons with pertussis may only experience a runny nose and non-productive cough, similar to a cold.

As the illness progresses young children may have more serious coughing fits, often followed by a whooping sound as they try to catch their breath. After coughing, a person may have difficulty catching their breath, vomit, or become blue in the face from lack of air. Between coughing fits, the person often feels well.

Treatment Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics and plenty of rest and fluids. Persons hospitalized with severe pertussis may need special treatments to help them through the prolonged periods of coughing.

Anyone with an unexplained cough illness or who has had contact with a person with pertussis is encouraged to contact his or her health care provider. Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the contagious period.

Antibiotics should be given to all household and other close contacts to prevent the spread of disease.

For more information on pertussis contact Tehama County Health Services Agency-Public Health Division at (530) 527-6824 or 1-800-655-6854 or visit us their website, here