Health officials have confirmed seven cases of whooping cough in Hunterdon County.Those infected are children ages 4 to 15.

Officials also are investigating two probable cases and studying three suspected cases.

Hunterdon County health official Rose Puelle tells The Courier News of Bridgewater officials must investigate each case because pertussis is infectious.

Health officials say pertussis, or whopping cough, begins with cold symptoms and a cough that gets progressively worse. It could lead to pneumonia. Deaths are rare.

Vaccinations and boosters are the best ways to control the spread of the bacterial infection.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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