Could it be Whooping Cough?

In May of this year, when the Genesee County Health Department announced an outbreak of Pertussis, also called Whooping Cough, one child had already died in Michigan.  Genesee County has seen a 1500% increase in cases of whooping cough this year compared to last.

Pertussis or whooping cough, is a very contagious disease that often goes unrecognized and undiagnosed.  It usually begins with "cold like" symptoms such as, fever, runny nose, and then a cough.  One to two weeks later the coughing becomes harsher and bouts more frequent.  Whooping cough should be suspected if the cough becomes coughing/choking/retching bouts.  A whoop may be heard when an ill person trys to take a breath after coughing.  Not everyone whoops.  Infants under 5 months of age and adults may not make the whooping sound.  The ill person may have blue finger nails and lips after coughing.

Infants and young children are at greatest risk.  They may actually stop breathing and have other complications including pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, or death. Adolescent and adult cases frequently are milder.  They often spread the disease, which is very contagious, especially in the early phase of cold -like symptoms.

Antibiotics are prescribed as treatment.  Young children are often hospitalized for supportive care.  Pertussis is classified as a preventable illness because we have been using vaccines since the 1950s successfully.  However, our recent upswing in cases is concerning as many more children are not being immunized and are at risk. Adults also need to get at least one booster dose to avoid getting the disease themselves and spreading it to vulnerable children.  Summer is a good time to check with your health care provider and update your vaccine status.

Below is the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended vaccine schedule for prevention of Pertussis:

0 - 6 yearsof age
DTaP - Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and acellular Pertussus vaccine @
2 months, 4 months, 6 months, booster at 15-18 months, booster 4-6 years

7-18 years of age
Tdap - Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine @
11-12 years of age booster

19 years through 64>
Substitute one time dose of Tdap for a Td -Tetanus and diphtheriabooster;
then booster with Td every 10 years

Looking for more more info?  Follow these great links:

www.cdc.gov/features/pertussis/causebordatellapertussis

www.whoopingcough.net  Hear the sounds of whooping cough

www.chop.edu/service/vaccine-education-center/home.html  Everything you ever wanted to ask about children's vaccines

www.gchd.us  Genesee County Health Dept., our local great connection