Health officials say whooping cough cases are increasing across Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. ( DC News Now ) — The Fairfax Health Department ( FHD ) announced that there has been an increase in pertussis illness, also known as whooping cough, across Fairfax County and Virginia.

Whooping cough is caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person through the air. When a person who is sick sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets are released into the air, and other people breathe it in.

Health officials said whooping cough can easily spread when people spend a lot of time around others or share the same breathing space.

According to the FHD, the symptoms can feel like a common cold and include:

• Runny or stuffed-up nose
• Low fever
• Mild cough

These symptoms can last for about one to two weeks. After, people develop coughing “fits” which can last weeks to months, according to officials. During this time, officials said people may vomit after “fits,” struggle to breathe, have trouble sleeping and make a high-pitch “whoop” sound when they breathe.

The FHD said babies may not have a cough but will gasp for air or have pauses in breathing, which is life-threatening.

How to prevent whooping cough

According to the FHD, the best way to avoid whooping cough is to get vaccinated. Two types of vaccines are offered including DTaP and Tdap. These shots can also protect against diphtheria and tetanus, said officials.

If you contract whooping cough, healthcare providers usually treat the contagious respiratory illness with antibiotics.

For more information, visit the FHD’s website .

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