Health Alert: Local Rise in Whooping Cough & Walking Pneumonia Cases
Published on November 06, 2024
Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is alerting the community to a recent increase in the number of people becoming ill from two different bacterial respiratory illnesses: Pertussis (commonly known as Whooping Cough), and M. pneumoniae (commonly known as Walking Pneumonia).
Cases are on the rise nationally as well as locally. Tompkins County has had 13 cases of pertussis from January 2024 to the end of October 2024 – this time last year, there were zero local cases. Of the 13 cases of pertussis this year, 7 cases are lab-confirmed, and 6 cases are probable (symptomatic close contacts that were not lab-confirmed). Walking Pneumonia is not tracked in the same way that other illnesses are – the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) tracks these cases by reviewing hospital discharge notes. The M. pneumoniae discharge diagnosis data from March 31 through October 5, 2024, show an increase among all age groups across the United States, peaking in August, and remaining high. The increase was notably highest among children.
It is important to recognize the symptoms and take steps to keep yourself and your family protected. Proper hand-washing and covering of coughs and sneezes are simple, important steps to reducing the spread of these and other respiratory illnesses. If you or a family member are experiencing symptoms, please seek medical care from your healthcare provider. Always seek medical care if you or your child are experiencing difficulty breathing.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Pertussis, or Whooping Cough, can begin with cold-like symptoms (such as fever and headache), but includes a slowly worsening cough that can become severe and take weeks or months to recover from. Whooping Cough is highly contagious from the start of symptoms and for up to two weeks after coughing begins. Whooping Cough, like other respiratory illnesses, is spread by coughing, sneezing, or sharing breathing space. Some people have mild symptoms and don't know they have whooping cough, but they can still spread the bacteria to others. Many babies who get whooping cough are infected by older siblings, parents, or caregivers who do not know they are sick.
Whooping Cough is treated by the use of antibiotics. Treatment should begin as soon as possible for most effectiveness, so it is important to see a healthcare provider when you are experiencing symptoms. If you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for Whooping Cough, it is advised to see your healthcare provider to determine if taking preventative antibiotics (postexposure antimicrobial prophylaxis, “PEP”) is necessary to prevent illness.
Vaccination is the best protection against Whooping Cough, reducing severity of illness should you become sick as well as reducing your ability to spread the bacteria. Infants and children through age 6 should receive the DTaP vaccine, and preteens should receive the Tdap vaccine. In New York State, DTaP is required for attendance at registered daycares and public elementary schools, and Tdap is required for entrance to middle school or high school. Whooping cough is especially dangerous for infants, which is why people who are pregnant should receive an additional dose of the Tdap vaccine. Adults of any age can receive a Tdap vaccine if they have not received one in the past. Tdap boosters are recommended for adults every 10 years. There have been reports of “break-through” pertussis cases in fully vaccinated persons. This can occur because vaccine protection from the disease wanes over time.
To get vaccinated, talk to your healthcare provider. If you need assistance with setting up primary healthcare or health insurance, dial 2-1-1 (1-877-211-8667). The DTaP and Tdap vaccines are provided at TCWH’s Immunization Clinics. Please visit our website for qualification requirements and additional information about our clinics: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health/immunizations#nysprograms
Walking Pneumonia is also a bacterial respiratory illness. Infections from the M. Pneumoniae bacteria impact the throat, windpipe and lungs, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. In its mild form persons may recover without medical professional help. Mild symptoms mimic those of chest colds, including feeling tired, having a fever and/or chills, headache, sore throat and worsening cough. Younger children may also experience diarrhea, vomiting, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes and wheezing.
Severe symptoms require medical help and include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma-like symptoms or worsening symptoms of asthma including increased asthma attacks, skin rashes, kidney problems, and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Symptoms which are prolonged or are worsening should be brought to the attention of your healthcare provider. Antibiotics may be prescribed if needed. Some strains of the M. Pneumoniae bacteria have become antibiotic-resistant. While many people can recover from Walking Pneumonia without needing treatment, severity of illness may require hospitalization. Severity is worse for infants, older adults and those who have asthma or other respiratory conditions. Always seek medical care if you or your child are experiencing difficulty breathing.
There is no vaccine to prevent Walking Pneumonia. While anyone can become sick from this respiratory bacterial illness, Walking Pneumonia outbreaks commonly occur in congregated living environments, such as college residence halls, detention and correctional facilities, hospitals, long-term care settings, and schools. Take preventative measures and reduce exposure to limit your risk of illness and seek medical care for testing and treatment if you experience symptoms.
TCWH Medical Director Dr. William Klepack stated, “Both of these diseases spread by sending droplets through the air when we cough and sneeze, just like influenza and COVID. If you seem to be getting sick, wearing a mask can help protect others. Staying home when sick, in addition to the advice above, also helps protect others. We are at greatest risk of respiratory infections during fall and winter.”