Officials in Barrington have issued an alert that says four cases of whooping cough were reported in its schools.
Barrington Area Unit District 220 didn't say what schools were affected, but the Lake County Health Department says most cases involve children ages 5 to 11.
Whooping cough -- also known as pertussis -- is transmitted through coughing, talking and sneezing and produces a rattling cough.
Officials said that there's been a rise in cases this year in Lake County. Eighty-two cases have been confirmed as of Nov. 21, compared to 20 in last year.
District 220 is out of session until Monday for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Audio from City of Evanston Health & Human Services: Coughing Fit | Whoop
Copyright AP - Associated Press
