Pertussis Cases on the Rise Again
Friday, November 14th, 2014 -- 10:53 AM
-Pertussis, or more commonly known as Whooping Cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that's signature is a loud string of coughs followed by a "crowing" or "whooping" noise as an individual tries to draw in air.Pertussis seems to have outbreak periods and this year, as well as the last three years, has seen an increase in the infection. Unfortunately, several school districts, including Loyal, Stratford and Mondovi, have already seen an increase of whooping cough in the new school year.
Brittany Mews, a public health nurse with the Clark County Health Department, talked more about the disease, what the symptoms are and how it can be prevented from spreading.
Brittany said, "Pertussis is a contagious, bacterial disease that effects the respiratory tract. It spreads from person to person by contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. In infants and young children, the disease usually begins much like a cold with symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, low grade fever and a mild occasional cough. The illness gradually becomes more severe progressing to spells of explosive coughing that can interrupt breathing, eating and sleeping and is commonly followed by vomiting and exhaustion."
As I mentioned, several school districts have seen an increase in Pertussis, including the Loyal School District.
"Since the end of September, the Clark County Health Department reports there have been 27 confirmed cases of Pertussis within the Loyal School District," Brittany said. "Of these 27 confirmed cases, currently only 9 of them continue to remain in isolation. The Health Department continues to work closely with the Loyal School District, healthcare providers and caregivers. At this time, no closure of the Loyal School District has been recommended."
The Clark County Health Department is strongly encouraging all caregivers to make sure that they and their children are up to date on their Pertussis vaccine.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.