Jefferson County Health Department is issuing this Public Health Alert to inform the public and providers that we are seeing more pertussis (whooping cough) cases than usual for this time of year.
What is Pertussis (Whooping Cough)?
Pertussis is a serious illness caused by bacteria that affects your lungs and breathing. It usually starts like a cold with a runny nose, mild cough, and low fever, but the cough can worsen. People with pertussis often have long, hard coughing fits that make it hard to breathe. Anyone can get pertussis, but it’s especially dangerous for babies and young children.
Whooping cough spreads through the air when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes. Tiny droplets with the bacteria go into the air, and other people can breathe them in. People can spread the illness before they even know they’re sick.
Symptoms to Watch For:
Runny nose
Low-grade fever
Cough that gets worse and comes in fits
A “whooping” sound when breathing in after coughing
In infants: pauses in breathing (apnea), difficulty breathing, or turning blue
Prevention is Key
With cases rising, prevention is more important than ever:
Practice good hygiene: Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and wash your hands frequently.
Vaccination is the best protection. The CDC recommends:
What to Do If You Think You Have Pertussis:
If you or your child is experiencing symptoms, especially a cough that won’t go away or comes in fits, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Testing for pertussis is available at most doctors’ offices and urgent care clinics.
How to Talk to Your Doctor About Testing and Treatment:
If you think you or your child might have whooping cough, speaking up is okay. Here are some things you can say to your doctor or nurse:
“I’ve had a cough that won’t go away. Could it be whooping cough?”
“I’ve been around someone who has whooping cough. Should I get tested?”
“Can we do a test to check for pertussis?”
“If it is whooping cough, what treatment do I need?”
You can ask for a test, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick or if your cough is getting worse. Early antibiotic treatment can help you feel better and stop the illness from spreading to others.
Treatment:
Whooping cough is treated with antibiotics, which work best when started early. Treatment can help you feel better faster and prevent the illness from spreading to others. In serious cases, especially for babies, people may need to go to the hospital.
For more information, visit the CDC’s pertussis page: