Croup cases rising in Mesa children

A virus typically seen in children during the wintertime is keeping doctors busy.

According to ABC15, a spike in croup is not unusual, but the 20 cases in July that were reported in Valley emergency rooms is a little puzzling to doctors.

"We usually see the most cases during the winter months," explained [Dr. James McKown of Cardon Children's Medical Center]. "Some experts think this may be associated with allergies."

The cause may be mysterious, but the symptoms are not.

When a child who has croup coughs, they often sound like a barking seal. Infected children may also drool, have difficulty breathing or eating and blue- or gray-colored skin around the nose or mouth is possible.

Croup is contagious. In order to protect your child, instruct them to wash their hands often. Should your child come down with croup, do not allow them to go to school and take them to the doctor.

Croup cases are often treated within minutes by a doctor.

Watch the report from ABC15 here: