November 9, 2007 Pam Palm, 399-8002
or Jackie Fletcher, 399-8003
Health Department reports case
of whooping cough
While there have been reports of several outbreaks of whooping cough in Columbus-area schools, the Knox County Health Department has received only one report of the illness in a local school. Whooping cough formally known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes severe coughing. It is most serious in infants and young children.
On Wednesday, a 10-year-old child who attends Bladensburg Elementary School was confirmed as having whooping cough. ÒEast Knox School officials are aware of situation,Ó said Jackie Fletcher, director of nursing for the health department. ÒThey were very proactive and sent a letter home to parents on Thursday describing the illness and what to do if they suspect whooping cough.Ó
This is the seventh case of pertussis to be reported in Knox County this year with cases occurring throughout the year. In 2006 there were only six cases reported, all occurring in the first part of the year. In 2005, there were 21 confirmed cases which occurred throughout the year.
Currently, vaccine to prevent whooping cough is administered as part of the required immunization schedule for children before they enter school. ÒBut with age, the protection from that vaccination wanes, leaving adolescents and adults vulnerable,Ó said Fletcher. There is a booster shot available to children, ages 11 through 18. The booster shot is strongly recommended also for parents of young children and those who work with young children such as day care workers.
The booster shot is referred to as ÒTdapÓ and provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. The Knox County Health Department provides the booster shot as part of the regular schedule for children. The shot is free, but there is a $10 administration fee.
Earlier this year the Ohio Department of Health made quantities of the booster shot available for parents and caretakers. ÒPeople who have small children or spend a lot of time with them should get the booster shot,Ó said Fletcher. The cost is the same as for children.
Pertussis usually starts with symptoms that resemble a common cold such as a sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a cough. Within two weeks, the cough becomes more frequent and is characterized by episodes of severe coughing followed by a crowing or a high-pitched whoop, hence the illness gets its nickname, Òwhooping cough.Ó A thick, clear mucous may be discharged with the coughing and vomiting may occur after the coughing spells. These episodes may recur for one to two months and are more frequent at night.
Children exhibiting these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. The illness is treated with antibiotics to stop the spread of the disease. Pertussis is spread through discharges from the nose and throat of infected individuals. Frequently older siblings or other adult household members, who may be harboring the pertussis bacterium in their nose or throat, may bring the disease home and infect an infant in the household.
A person can spread pertussis from the onset of symptoms to three weeks after the onset of coughing episodes. The period of communicability can be reduced to five days after appropriate antibiotic therapy is begun
Pertussis can occur at any age. Although most of the cases reported nationwide are in children under age five, the number of cases in adolescents and adults is increasing. The ages of affected children in Knox County range from age one to 13 with the majority of those affected between the ages of 1-3 and 10-12.
For more information, call Fletcher at 399-8003.
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