Updated January 19, 2012

By Desiree Taylor

Ten children in New Jersey have been diagnosed with the disease Pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

Eight of the infected children, whose ages range from 4 to 15, live in Hunterdon County. Two infants in Ocean County have also been diagnosed with the highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a bacterium that lives in the mouth, nose, and throat of an infected person.

The disease is contagious for three weeks, starting from the onset of symptoms and the cough may linger for three months. Serious complications, including pneumonia, can result among all age groups.

Pertussis is most infectious to others during the earliest stages of illness. The period of communicability can be reduced to five days after antibiotic therapy is begun.

Rose Puelle, of Hunterdon County’s Division of Public Health, says some of the infected children didn’t have any or all of the vaccines needed to protect against Pertussis. The vaccines are required under state law for all students in public schools and day cares. However, there are exemptions for medical and religious reasons. Opponents to vaccines point out they’re not 100 percent effective.

Health officials urge anyone who suspects pertussis to contact a health care provider. Information about pertussis in English and Spanish is available on the Hunterdon County’s Division of Public Health website at www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/health.htm.