There is a small outbreak of whooping cough in the Chesley and Peabody area.
The Grey Bruce Health Unit says there are two confirmed cases and more likely in an unimmunized population.
Public Health Nurse Debbie Minielly says they want people who may be in contact with residents in that area to ensure they are immunized and protected.
Right now, Minielly says the illness has not spread into the general community and it has not spread to kids who may be going back to school next week.
She says more lab tests are being done to see if there are more cases.
Whooping cough — or pertussis — is spread just like a regular cold and the illness begins with a runny nose and cough.
It can be spread to others for up to three weeks after the initial symptoms.
The cough becomes harsher and more frequent within 1 to 2 weeks and can become serious and last several weeks.
Minielly says children under 12 and newborns are at the most risk of serious illness and parents should ensure their kids are immunized.
Adults who were only immunized as a child are no longer protected and can pass whooping cough to children.
Minielly says they can reduce the risk of spread and complications of the illness by providing antibiotics within the first three weeks.
She adds they are trying to find more families that may be affected by the illness.