Health issue of concern: Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Posted
9/18/2024
by
kegge@co.wood.wi.us
HEALTH ALERT
DATE: September 18, 2024
CONTACT: Erica Sherman, Public Health Nurse Supervisor / Susan Smith, Director/Health Officer
(715) 421-8911
Health issue of concern: Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Location: Wood County
Number affected: 17 lab confirmed (PCR positive)
We are seeing an increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases in Wood County. Pertussis can begin with symptoms similar to a common cold: runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, low-grade fever, and a mild occasional cough. The illness may progress to spells of explosive coughing that can interrupt breathing, eating, and sleeping. After a coughing spell, patients may make a loud crowing or "whooping" sound as they struggle to inhale air (hence the name "whooping cough") and may also gag or vomit. Persons may experience severe coughing spells for several weeks or months. Symptoms of pertussis can vary with age. It is possible to contract pertussis even if vaccinated.
Pertussis complications can include: dehydration, difficulty sleeping, ear infection, pneumonia, and seizures. Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated infants younger than 12 months of age have the highest risk for severe complications and death. In infants younger than 12 months of age who get pertussis, about a third need treatment in a hospital. Adolescents and adults can also develop complications from pertussis. However, complications are usually less severe in these older age groups, especially in those who received pertussis vaccines.
If you or your child have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with pertussis, monitor for symptoms for 21 days. For some high-risk individuals, antibiotics may be recommended even if you don’t have symptoms. If you or your child develop a cough after known contact to a positive pertussis case, testing is recommended and antibiotic treatment should be started. If you are tested for pertussis, isolate at home until your test results are known. Anyone who tests positive for pertussis should isolate at home until they have completed 5 days of appropriate antibiotics.
To prevent the spread of illness, wash hands often, cover coughs, and stay home when sick. Ensure your family is up-to-date with vaccinations.
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html
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