A whooping cough outbreak spans 26 counties in Washington state. To date, 431 cases have been reported, including two infant deaths.
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection. Individuals can contract the organism by simply inhaling respiratory droplets of a contaminated individual who just coughed or sneezed into the air around you.
Infants in our state have a ten times greater chance of contracting this illness than all other age groups combined.
Why are infants at such a high risk? First, children are not fully immune to this disease until they have received three shots (6 months of age). In addition, immunity levels for teens and adults typically decrease over time. Furthermore, some parents simply choose not to vaccinate their children. As a result, these groups can contract the illness and expose vulnerable infants who are not yet vaccinated.
Symptoms of pertussis typically develop in 3 to 12 days after exposure. Initially, symptoms mimic those of the common cold: nasal congestion, runny nose, low grade fever, and/or watery or red eyes. Within one to two weeks, symptoms progress to a characteristic high-pitched, hacking cough with a “whooping” sound. In conjunction, vomiting, extreme fatigue and thick phlegm production often ensue. Some even develop a red or bluish color to the face.
If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor. Diagnosis of pertussis can be confirmed by a culture obtained from the inside of the nose (nasopharyngeal).
Infants often require hospitalization. Older children and adults typically can be treated at home with antibiotics. Household members are usually treated to help contain the illness and prevent spreading.
Prevention
The best way to prevent this disease is to get vaccinated. The vaccine, Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), is recommended for adolescence, adults and women who are pregnant. The Health Department is recommending substituting this vaccine at least once in place of the Td booster (recommended every 10 years).
Tdap is available at most primary care doctor offices, clinics and pharmacies. The cost of this vaccine ranges from $25 to $60 for those without insurance, less for those with coverage.
Parents are encouraged to follow national guidelines for childhood vaccinations.
Lastly, remember the basics: cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; wash hands thoroughly and frequently during the day; and stay home when you are sick.
Dr. Linda Petter is a weekly feature on KOMO TV/News Radio (1000 AM & 97.7 FM) every Sunday live 7:45 a.m., and a columnist for the Auburn Reporter. She trained at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Illinois, Carle Hospital. Dr. Petter is chief of the Department of Family Practice at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. She is a consumer healthcare advocate, and her books, “Healthcare On a Budget” and “Common Medical Sense” are available on Amazon.com. Please visit her website, www.DocForAll.com, or call her office at 253-568-0841.
