RAYMORE, Mo. -- There have been five confirmed cases of whooping cough in Cass County, KMBC's Donna Pitman reported Thursday.

The Health Department said that there are 16 probable cases, and 80 children were sent home from school as a precaution.

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Whooping Cough Sends Students Home Sick

Patrick Phillips is out of his seventh-grade classroom and at home watching his "Legally Blonde" movies. He is waiting for tests to see if he has whooping cough.

The number of confirmed cases in Cass County is climbing, making some parents ill at ease.

"I think it's being caught early and people are being treated appropriately. So I don't think this break-out will turn into an epidemic," Dr. Mark Ludwig said.

Four of the five confirmed cases were at Shull Intermediate School, according to the Health Department.

The superintendent said that the Raymore-Peculiar School District is taking all the right steps.

"We're taking it seriously, but it's not at a point that parents should be alarmed or keep their child home," Dr. David McGehee said.

Patrick goes to Ray-Pec Middle School. Pitman said that his mother disagrees with the superintendent. She said she wants not just the middle schools, but the entire school district to close until everyone feels better.

"Do I think I'm being extreme? I think it's always best to err on the side of caution," Peggy Phillips said.

"I think that would be the worst thing to do -- keep your child out of school if there's nothing wrong with them," McGehee said.

The school district sent a note home with students this week, telling parents how to detect whooping cough.

Phillips said she is concerned that if Patrick does not have it, he will get it, and she doesn't want to take that chance.

"My concern is having that exposure out there. Close it down as a precaution," Phillips said.

Whooping cough symptoms mimic those of the common cold.

Ludwig said that if you or your child has those symptoms to see a doctor.

The Raymore-Peculiar School District is keeping students who demonstrate signs of whooping cough out of class at least five days and asking parents to put them on antibiotics. Pitman said that children who don't take medication will be out of class three weeks.

More Information:

To find out what whooping cough is and more about its symptoms, click here.