Whooping cough on the rise

The Yadkin County Health and Human Services agency has issued guidance around vaccines and health precautions due to an increase in Pertussis cases in the region. The North Carolina Division of Public Health has reported an increase in Pertussis cases in the Western part of the state. Since March 1, 109 cases have been identified throughout the state with additional cases under investigation. In the year 2023, only 103 pertussis cases were reported statewide. Approximately 65% of cases have occurred in individuals that are up to date with their age-appropriate pertussis-containing vaccine.

What is Pertussis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After cough fits, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths, which result in a “whooping” sound. Pertussis can affect people of all ages, but can be very serious, even deadly, for babies less than a year old. The best way to protect against pertussis is by getting vaccinated.”

How does pertussis spread?

Pertussis is a very contagious disease only found in humans. Pertussis spreads from person to person. People with pertussis usually spread the disease to another person by coughing or sneezing or when spending time near one another where you share breathing space. Many babies who get pertussis are infected by older siblings, parents, or caregivers who might not even know they have the disease.

Infected people are most contagious up to about 2 weeks after the cough begins. Antibiotics may shorten the amount of time someone is contagious.

What are the symptoms of pertussis?

Pertussis early symptoms — can last for 1 to 2 weeks and usually include:

Runny or stuffy noseLow-grade fever (less than 100.4)Mild, occasional cough (babies do not do this)Apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing) and cyanosis (turning blue or purple) in babies and young children

Pertussis later symptoms — occur 1 to 2 weeks after the first symptoms start:

May develop rapid, violent and uncontrolled coughing fits. These coughing fits usually last 1 to 6 weeks but can last for up to 10 weeks.Hear a high-pitched “whoop” sound when they are finally able to inhale at the end of a coughing fitVomit during or after coughing fitsFeel very tired after the fit, but usually seem well in-between fitsStruggle to breathe

If you or your child is diagnosed with pertussis, stay home and away from group activities and members of your household who may be at higher risk for severe illness such as infants and pregnant women until you have been on antibiotics to treat pertussis for five days. If someone does not receive antibiotics for pertussis, they should remain at home and away from others for the infectious period of 21 days.

Vaccination

The best protection against pertussis is vaccination. Infection is usually a more mild illness for those who have gotten vaccinated, but they may still get sick. The whooping cough vaccine is recommended for people of all ages.

Babies need three shots of Tdap vaccine at two, four and six months of age to build up high levels of protection against illness.Young children need two booster shots, 15 through 18 months of age and four through six years of age, to maintain protection through early childhood.Preteens should get one shot of Tdap vaccine between the ages of 11 and 12 years to boost their immunity.Pregnant women should get a Tdap vaccine during the early part of their 3rd trimester of each pregnancy. This will offer protection for the first few months of the baby’s life.Adults who have never received a vaccine should get one and it can be given at any time. This should be followed by either a Td or Tdap shot every 10 years.

Make sure your family’s vaccinations are up-to-date. Protection against pertussis from the childhood vaccine, DTaP, decreases over time. Older children and adults, including pregnant women, should get a pertussis booster shot called “Tdap” to protect themselves and infants near or around them. If you need a vaccine, contact your doctor or call Yadkin County Human Services Agency to schedule an appointment at (336) 849.7910

Additional information:

Pertussis general information: www.cdc.gov/pertussisPertussis vaccine: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/dtap-tdap-td/publicSpanish resources available: www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/index-sp.html

For additional information, please visit https://www.yadkincountync.gov/Human-Services and follow on social media @YadkinHSA.