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Whooping cough still around
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August 16, 2012 |
Whooping cough cases in northern Idaho are down
this year compared to the high numbers in 2010
and 2011, but the highly contagious illness is
still making the rounds.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is
recognized by severe coughing spells that can
cause vomiting and loss of breath. Immunization
helps prevent whooping cough, which is
particularly dangerous for babies younger than a
year old.
“People who have severe coughing spells that
don’t improve or go away within two weeks should
consider that they may have Pertussis and seek
medical attention” said Mary Petty, Community
Services program manager for the Panhandle
Health District (PHD).
The pertussis vaccine for babies to age 6 is the
DTaP and also includes vaccine for diphtheria
and tetanus. Children start the vaccination
series when they’re two months old and receive
it in installments to age six.
Protection from the vaccine wears off over time.
A booster shot, Tdap, provides protection for
adolescents and adults. Only one dose is needed.
In Idaho, children entering seventh grade are
required to have the Tdap booster. The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention recommends
the Tdap booster for all adults and particularly
for pregnant women and those in contact with
infants.
Dr. Tom Clark, a epidemiologist for the CDC,
told the New York Times that pertussis is making
a comeback possibly because immunity provided by
the vaccine wears off, especially in adults who
are decades past their most recent vaccination.
The DTaP and Tdap immunizations are available by
appointment at PHD offices in Sandpoint and
Bonners Ferry. Call (208) 263-5159 in Sandpoint
and (208) 267-5558 in Bonners Ferry.
While Idaho’s pertussis numbers are decreasing
this year, Washington has declared a pertussis
epidemic. Spokane has confirmed 82 cases this
year and another 52 are suspected. Western
Washington reports more than 2,500 cases.
Pertussis typically starts with a runny nose,
but a cough quickly takes over. People spread
pertussis by coughing and sneezing while they’re
in close contact with others who then breathe in
the pertussis bacteria.
People with pertussis are contagious before the
cough starts and stay contagious for up to three
weeks. Doctor-prescribed antibiotics can kill
the infection and prevent it from spreading.
For more information on whooping cough, visit
www.phd1.idaho.gov. |
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