With the emerging news about pertussis in our neighboring state of North Dakota, the Richland County Health Department would like to inform Richland County and surrounding areas about the status of pertussis in Montana and our county and provide some prevention information.
Pertussis or whooping cough is a contagious disease that lasts for many weeks and causes severe coughing with a “whooping” sound or coughing that leads to vomiting. The disease can be life threatening for infants and can cause moderate to severe illness in adults.
Whooping cough is characterized by one or more of the following symptoms:
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• Long spells of coughing with spasms
• Coughing with a whooping sound
• Coughing that leads to gagging or vomiting
• Develops in stages:
Stage one – runny nose, low-grade fever, and a mild occasional cough that becomes more severe with time. (Could be anything at this point)
Stage two – seen one to two weeks after stage one. Bursts of coughing, followed by difficulty to “get air” in adults and “whoop” sound in children, increasing at night. This stage lasts six to 10 weeks.
How Pertussis Spreads
People with pertussis usually spread the disease by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in the pertussis bacteria. Many infants who get pertussis are infected by parents, older siblings or other caregivers who might not even know they have the disease.
People who have any of the above symptoms should contact their health-care provider to be evaluated for whooping cough. People who do not have any symptoms do not need to be tested or treated.
What can you do?
You can make sure you and your loved ones are up to date with recommended whooping cough vaccines. There are two types of whooping cough vaccines – DTaP for infants and children and Tdap for adolescents and adults. Getting vaccinated with Tdap is especially important for family members with and caregivers of new infants. Also, if caring for an infant, keep him or her away from anyone with cough or cold symptoms.
Vaccination
recommendations:
• Infants and children are recommended to receive five doses of the DTaP vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months, at 15 through 18 months and at 4 through 6 years. All five doses are needed for maximum protection.
• Adolescents are recommended to receive the Tdap vaccine at their regular check-up at age 11 or 12. If teenagers (13 through 18 years) missed getting the Tdap vaccine, parents should ask the doctor about getting it for them now.
• Adults who are 19 through 64 years old are recommended to get a one-time dose of Tdap in place of the Td booster they’re recommended to receive every 10 years. No need to wait until you are due for your Td booster—the dose of Tdap can be given earlier than the 10-year mark since the last Td booster. It’'s a good idea for adults to talk to a healthcare provider about what’s best for their specific situation.
• Pregnant women should ideally receive Tdap before pregnancy. Otherwise, it is recommended that Tdap be given after delivery, before leaving the hospital or birthing center. If a pregnant woman is at increased risk for getting whooping cough, such as during a community outbreak, her doctor may consider giving Tdap during pregnancy. Although pregnancy is not a contraindication for receiving Tdap, a pregnant woman and her doctor should discuss the risks and benefits before choosing to receive Tdap during pregnancy.
• People 65 years and older do not currently have a whooping cough booster vaccine licensed for their age group. However, people in this age group can talk to their healthcare provider to see if getting Tdap is a good decision for them. This discussion can include weighing the risks and benefits of receiving Tdap. Receiving Tdap may be especially important during a community outbreak and/or if caring for an infant.
Parents may contact their health-care provider or their local health department if they have questions about themselves or their child’s vaccination status. When everyone in the household is properly immunized you greatly reduce your families’ chances of getting pertussis!
There are no positive cases in Richland County at this time. As of Aug. 21, the State of Montana has currently 35 confirmed cases. Number of cases for Montana in the past years: 62 cases unofficially in 2009, 84 confirmed cases in 2008 and 44 confirmed cases in 2007.
The Richland County Health Department reminds everyone about the following precautions that are important in decreasing the spread of many illnesses including pertussis (whooping cough):
• Make sure your immunizations are updated.
• Frequent hand washing with soap and water. Hand washing is one of the best preventive measures, not only for whooping cough, but for all diseases.
• Using good respiratory manners. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing and throw away the tissue after use. Cough into your sleeve.
• Staying home from work or other recreational activities when you’re ill. This will help prevent the spread of illness to your friends, co-workers and family.
For more information about whooping cough, call your healthcare provider or your local public health department at 433-2207.
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