Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Outbreak Continues

Cases of whooping cough (pertussis) continue to be reported in the Putnam area. As of Monday, February 2nd, the Putnam County Health Department reports 70 confirmed cases across the county with 12 additional probable cases. The highest number of cases are coming from the teenage and earlier population which mirrors the results state-wide. If your child has been in contact with someone with whooping cough, they may become sick with whooping cough as well. This is especially true when the child has not received all the whooping cough vaccine shots. Sometimes, even if a child’s shots are up to date, they may still be able to get whooping cough.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air by coughing. Whooping cough begins with cold symptoms and a cough that becomes much worse over 1-2 weeks. Symptoms usually include a long series of coughs ("coughing fits") followed by a whooping noise. However, older children, adults and very young infants may not develop the whoop. There is generally only a slight fever. People with whooping cough can have a series of coughs followed by vomiting, turning blue, or difficulty catching breath. The cough is often worse at night and cough medicines usually do not help alleviate the cough.

If your child has been in contact with someone with whooping cough, antibiotics may prevent him or her from becoming ill. If your child is already sick, giving antibiotics early can help your child get well faster and lower the chances of spreading the disease to others.

Avoiding any kind of respiratory illness during the cold and flu season can be a challenge. People with increased stress in their lives, individuals with weakened immune systems and households with school-aged children are especially at risk. However, simple hygiene practices can go a long way toward preventing illnesses such as the common cold as well as pertussis. The following are some ways to lower your risk: Reduce your risk of catching whooping cough, a cold or flu by washing your hands more often. Using warm water and soap removes germs better than a quick rinse under the cold tap. If you cannot wash with soap and water, using a waterless hand sanitizer will also help to remove germs. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands – these are all ways that germs can get into your body. Always wash your hands or use a waterless hand sanitizer after: Blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, going to the bathroom, before and after eating, after contact with or being near someone who is ill, before and after handling and preparing food and/or after touching animals

It’s very easy to pick up cold and flu germs from things other people have touched, such as telephones, door handles, or money. Avoid touching other people’s used tissues or handkerchiefs. Use disposable tissues and throw them away after each use. Because the viruses that cause these infections are coughed and sneezed into the air you share with other people, it helps to stay away from people who are ill, and to avoid enclosed crowded places when possible.

Keep your lifestyle as healthy as possible. A nutritious well-balanced diet, plenty of rest, and regular exercise makes it easier for your body to resist infection, including colds and flu. Don’t smoke. Non-smokers get fewer colds, coughs, sore throats and flu.

Don’t wait for symptoms of a cold or cough to appear before taking action. A little preparation and prevention can help you get through this season. For more information on respiratory illness contact your health care provider or call the Putnam County Department of Health at (845) 278-6558.