The number of whooping cough cases in Ontario County is on the rise. According to the county’s Public Health Department, most cases have been in college-aged students.
According to the Public Health Department, Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It spreads easily from person to person through the air. The bacteria attach to small hair-like structures in the airways and release toxins that cause damage and swelling.
Vaccinations, required for daycare and school attendance, help prevent pertussis but they’re not 100% effective, particularly as people age. Like flu, people who are vaccinated generally have less severe symptoms if they become infected.
Pertussis can affect anyone, but it is especially dangerous for babies under one year of age, people with weak immune systems, and those with asthma. The disease often starts with mild symptoms similar to a cold, such as:
- Runny nose
- Low-Grade fever ( under 100.4 F)
- Mild cough
As the disease progresses, it can lead to violent coughing fits, which may cause vomiting, trouble breathing and a “whooping” sound with inhalation. The cough can last for weeks, even after antibiotic treatment.
Kate Ott, Director of Ontario County Public Health, notes, “It is especially important for babies and those who have contact with them, to remain up-to-date on the vaccine. Children under a year are most at risk for severe complications, hospitalization, and death from Pertussis. Pregnant persons should be vaccinated prior to delivery.”
If you or your child have a severe cough or trouble breathing, it’s important to see a healthcare provider right away. Antibiotic treatment can make the illness less severe, especially if started in the early stages.
For more information about pertussis, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or contact your healthcare provider.
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