December 30, 2008

CDHD Reports Pertussis Cases in Ada County

Earlier this month the Central District Health Department (CDHD) announced a pertussis (Whooping Cough) outbreak in Elmore County. In the last week 2 new cases of pertussis have been reported in Ada County. One case was in a teenager and one in an adult male. With ten cases of pertussis now reported out of Elmore County, and Southwest District Health reporting two cases in Canyon County, it is increasingly important for the public to recognize the symptoms of pertussis and to update vaccination status to prevent it.

Pertussis is a highly communicable, vaccine-preventable disease that lasts for many weeks and is most dangerous to newborns and infants.

• Pertussis starts with cold-like symptoms; sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough.
• Within two weeks, a severe cough can develop with violent coughing spells.

• A coughing person with pertussis may have a hard time catching his or her breath during a coughing spell and make a high-pitched "whooping" sound.

“Pertussis vaccine is available for children starting at 2 months of age and a pertussis booster is available for adolescents and adults through age 64.” Nikki Sakata, Program Manager for Communicable Disease Control at CDHD, said.  “Childhood pertussis vaccine and having pertussis do not provide lifelong protection. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you and your families are up-to-date on your pertussis vaccinations.”

How can pertussis be prevented?

• If you’ve had an undiagnosed cough for 2 or more weeks call your doctor.
• If you’ve been exposed to a case of pertussis call your doctor.
• Make sure that everyone in your family or household has received all of their recommended pertussis immunizations. (CDHD offers the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) booster vaccine for $61.00. Children up to age 19 are charged only the administration fee of $14.34.)
• When you cough or sneeze, do it into your sleeve at the bend of your arm.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

For more information on immunizations for pertussis contact your medical provider or call the CDHD Immunization Nurse line at 327-8615. Information is also available on the CDHD website.