A health scare at a Central Austin Hospital has prompted more than a hundred patients and visitors to undergo treatment for pertussis, also knows as whooping cough.  A spokesperson for Seton Medical Center on 38th Street says one of its employees is suspected of having the disease. 

Hospitals are normally a place for people to heal.

"I've had a lot of experience at Seton Hospital and it's a wonderful hospital," said Karen Friesen, a prospective patient scheduled for a planned C-section in two weeks.

Last week, a Seton spokesperson says an employee at Seton Medical Center may have unknowingly infected other staff members, visitors, and even patients with whooping cough.

"I didn't even know that was still around, like smallpox.  I though maybe that was eradicated with vaccines," said Friesen

Seton says an employee who works on the labor and delivery and post partum wings of Seton Medical Center is believed to have whooping cough.  That employee is at home receiving treatment.

"I wonder if they went through my line because I'm a cashier and I see the whole hospital every day," said Linda Pina, a Seton employee.

Seton is now contacting mothers who delivered at Seton Medical Center between May 5th and May 25th, and any one who may have visited the affected parts of the hospital as a precaution.

"I'm not worried," said Friesen.

"It was a little disconcerting.  My daughter just had a baby last night in the hospital and when we had heard about it, it is a little concerning," said Bonita Farrell, a visitor.

So far, about a dozen people have reported possible symptoms.

"We were concerned. Actually more concerned for him than for us because he's newborn," said Eva Burley, a new mother.  She delivered her son, Jacob at Seton Medical Center on Thursday.  Burley went home on Sunday after undergoing treatment as a precaution.

"We were waiting for treatment and we've received it so we get to go home now," said Burley.

Seton has contacted about 80 percent of those affected.  Anyone with concerns should see their doctor, or go to Seton Medical Center's Emergency Room.  Seton will waive the cost of the visit and any necessary prescriptions.  If you have any questions, you can call Seton's call center at 324-4440.