Concerns about whooping cough

According to the Center for Disease Control, pertussis (whooping cough) is a very contagious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. Among vaccine-preventable diseases, pertussis is one of the most commonly occurring ones in the United States.

Amy Lacina, RN, PHN, care coordinator with Cook County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS), has announced that six cases of pertussis have been reported in Cook County. The Minnesota Department of Health is working with Cook County PHHS and other local health care providers to increase awareness of signs and symptoms of pertussis and to encourage vaccination.

Lacina provided the following information about pertussis.

What to watch for

Pertussis may begin with a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and possibly a low grade fever. After one or two weeks, the cough worsens and begins to occur in sudden, uncontrollable bursts. These coughing attacks can end in vomiting and/or in a high-pitched whooping noise. Coughing attacks often happen at night and the cough may last up to three months. Although the cough can last longer than three weeks, a person is no longer contagious after the third week.

Who is affected

Anyone of any age can get pertussis. In recent years, more cases of pertussis have been reported in adults, adolescents and school-age children. Since pertussis may be milder in adults and older children, they can pass on the disease without knowing to infants and preschoolers who are at risk for the illness. It is important to make sure you and your children are up to date with vaccinations.

Vaccination

Most children have been vaccinated for pertussis, however, protection decreases over time. Studies have shown that the immunity from the vaccine decreases after three to five years from the last vaccination, which is usually given before kindergarten. Therefore, most adolescents and adults are at risk for pertussis.

A pertussis booster vaccine (Tdap) for adolescents and adults is also available and is given with the tetanusdiphtheria booster. Parents of children 11 years and older and adults (especially those with infants less than 12 months of age in their home) should talk to their healthcare provider about Tdap.

How to protect yourself and prevent
spreading infectious diseases
. Stay home if you are ill.
. Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue or your
elbow. Throw the tissue away.
. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly,
especially after sneezing or coughing or going to
the bathroom, and before you eat or handle food.
. Get plenty of rest, exercise and eat healthy foods.

For more information on pertussis