Madison County Health Department
Pertussis

To protect, promote and improve the health of our community

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in Pertussis or “whooping cough” cases. Numerous counties in Kentucky have had cases this year.

On September 7, 2012 nurses at Madison County Health Department have confirmed 33 cases of pertussis (whooping cough), and 3 probable cases.  Cases have been confirmed in northern Madison County, Richmond, Moberly/Waco and Berea. The majority of cases so far have been in Richmond and Waco.

Pertussis or Whooping Cough is a contagious disease caused by bacteria. It is spread from person to person, who are in close contact with one another by respiratory droplets. Close contact means spending more than 1 hour within 3 feet or less of an infected person.

Symptoms of Pertussis include:

• Cold like symptoms, including a cough that worsens over one to two weeks.

• “Coughing fits” that cause a person to have long sets of coughs without them being able to take a breath in between and end with a “whooping” sound

• A series of coughs that are so strong or last so long that a person vomits, turns blue or cannot catch their breath in between

• The cough usually gets worse at night, and cough medicine may not help

• There is usually NO fever, and the person may not appear ill in between the coughing episodes

SEE YOUR DOCTOR or PEDIATRICIAN IF THESE SYMPTOMS OCCUR!

Most children are protected from Pertussis by a series of immunizations (DTaP) they receive during the first 4-6 years of life. Some children and adults may not be fully immunized against Pertussis, or may have had their protection against the disease fade over the years since their last immunization. All persons are encouraged to check with their health care provider about the need for a “booster” dose of Pertussis vaccine.

Children and adults age 11 and older can get a new immunization to boost their protection against Pertussis. This vaccine is called Tdap. Persons in this age group are encouraged to check with the doctor or clinic who normally gives their immunizations to decide when to get this vaccine.

For adults, if it has been 2 years or longer since their last dose of Tetanus and Diphtheria vaccine (“tetanus shot”), the CDC recommends they get (1) dose of Tdap to boost their protection against Pertussis.

Since infants and young babies are not fully protected against Pertussis, and are more likely to have severe complications if they get the disease, all pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding women and people who care for young children under 1 year of age (parents, daycare workers, grandparents, etc.) need to be immunized against Pertussis.

Tdap may be available at your regular doctor’s office. Many insurance policies cover the cost of vaccinations.
MCHD has a supply of free vaccine for adults and children age 11 and over who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not pay for vaccines.

Please talk with your doctor &/or school nurse if you have further questions.

More information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site.