RICHMOND —
Since May 17, nurses with the Madison County Health Department have confirmed nine cases of pertussis (whooping cough), with an additional two listed as “probable.”
Not all of the confirmed cases are related to each other, said Christie Green, health department spokesperson.
“It is possible that some of the unrelated cases were identified because of heightened awareness of whooping cough in the community,” she said.
In its early stages, whooping cough has symptoms similar to the common cold, often including mild fever, runny nose, and coughing.
The coughing fits, accompanied sometimes by the characteristic “whoop,” usually begin a week or two after symptoms first develop. In some cases, the coughing can be severe, and last long enough to cause exhaustion or even vomiting, Green said.
Whooping cough is especially dangerous for infants and young children. Among infants under 1 year of age, over 50 percent who have whooping cough have to be hospitalized.
The health department is asking health-care providers to be alert to symptoms of whooping cough among patients and to check immunization status for both children and adults, Green said.
For children up to age five, the DTaP vaccine protects against diptheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). For children age 11 and older, and for adults, the Tdap (tetanus, diptheria, and acellular pertussis) vaccine is given.
Here are some action steps to help prevent the spread of whooping cough:
• Parents, family members, and caregivers of infants less than 1 year old should take a Tdap vaccination if they have not already done so.
• Pregnant women should talk to their Ob/Gyn about getting a Tdap vaccination.
• Parents of children age 11 and older should make sure that they have gotten their Tdap booster.
• Healthcare workers should get a Tdap as soon as possible if they have not already done so.
Karen King, RN, reportable disease nurse with the health department, recommends that “individuals and families check to see if they are up to date on vaccinations, talk to their healthcare provider if they have symptoms, and contact the health department if they need more information.”
In response to this outbreak, the health department has requested a supply of free Tdap vaccine for children and adults, Green said. The vaccine is for anyone who is uninsured or whose insurance will not pay for vaccinations.
Call the health department at 623-7312 for more details or to schedule an appointment, Green said.
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