Twelve Montgomery County children have confirmed or suspected cases of whooping cough, according to the county's health department.
The bacterial disease Pertussis was apparently spread by one child at a Pennsylvania science summer camp those kids attended, and as many as 200 could be infected.
Officials from four area middle schools sent letters home to parents Friday, warning them of the symptoms and recommending a visit to a pediatrician for testing as soon as possible.
Symptoms appear 7 to 10 days after contracting the bacteria and include runny nose, mild fever and a cough that lingers.
The middle schools involved are Robert Frost, Julius West, Cabin John and Cold Spring. Two private schools were also warned.
