The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department has announced that there are cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough) circulating in neighboring counties.
Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria and easily spreads from person to person through contact with droplets of saliva expelled by an infected person when they talk, cough, or sneeze, etc. Initially symptoms may be similar to the common cold: runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and mild occasional cough. Individuals can further develop uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe.
After coughing, someone with whooping cough may need to take deep breaths causing a whooping sound. Infected people can spread whooping cough up to three weeks after the cough begins if they are not treated with the appropriate antibiotics.
Whooping cough can affect people of all ages. However, it can be very serious, even deadly, for babies less than 1 year old. Many babies who get whooping cough are infected by older siblings, parents, or caregivers who might not even know they have the disease.
Folks should see their primary care provider for testing and treatment if they are experiencing symptoms or have been around someone they suspect may have whooping cough. Due to there also being other respiratory illnesses going around, as well as people experiencing allergy symptoms due to high pollen, testing is the only way to know for sure if someone has whooping cough.
It is imperative for patients to stay home and isolate while awaiting test results to prevent potential spread. Also, be mindful of keeping distance from others in the household while you are waiting for results, especially those at higher risk for such as babies less than 1 year old, those who are pregnant, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Anyone who has concerns or think they may have been exposed should contact their doctor immediately to discuss next steps. Additionally, it is recommended that close contacts to that are high risk notify their provider of the exposure, as they may be a candidate for post-exposure prophylaxis.
The best way to prevent whooping cough among babies, teens, and adults is to get vaccinated. Folks can check if they are up to date on vaccinations that protect against whooping cough by contacting their provider or check the Wisconsin Immunization Registry at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/wir.htm.
