For more information contact:
Karen Bishop, RN at (607) 274-6604 or Theresa Lyczko at (607) 274-6714
Tompkins County Health Department Reports an Increase in Pertussis
March 7, 2012 (Ithaca, N.Y.) — Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease involving the respiratory tract. It is caused by a bacterium that is found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person. Pertussis can affect anyone at any age but it is particularly harmful to children and infants who are too young to be vaccinated.
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) reports an increase in pertussis activity around the state and Tompkins County is no exception. In 2011, there were 13 cases of pertussis in the County. In 2012, to date there are 9 cases. Pertussis is cyclical in nature. In 2009 and 2010 there were a total of three cases; 25 in 2008; 5 in 2007 and 38 in 2006.
Karen Bishop, Supervising Community Health Nurse at Tompkins County Health Department warns that complications from pertussis may include pneumonia, middle ear infection, loss of appetite, dehydration, seizures, and episodes of brief cessation of breathing. “Infants are particularly at risk from older siblings, parents, or caregivers who may be harboring the bacteria. The incubation period is usually 5 to 10 days but may be as long as 21 days,” she said. Three infants in New York State died of pertussis complications in 2011.
Bishop noted that pertussis begins with mild cold symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough. Within 2 weeks, the cough becomes more severe and is characterized by episodes of numerous rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched “whoop.” Coughing episodes may persist for 2 to 3 months and are more frequent at night.
“Because pertussis is a bacterial infection, it can be treated with antibiotics,” Bishop advised. She urges anyone who may have these symptoms to call their physician immediately. The health department has kept local physicians apprised of pertussis incidence in the County, she added.
Pertussis is spread person to person through close contact with respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. “If people are exposed in this way and develop symptoms,” Karen Bishop says, “they should stay home from work, school and social gatherings to avoid exposing friends and extended family, until they are medically evaluated and treated.”
The single most effective way of preventing pertussis is maintaining the highest level of immunization in the community. Children ages 2 months to 6 years should receive all age appropriate doses of DTaP vaccine which includes a booster dose between the ages of 4 and 6 years. Children 7 years of age and older, adolescents, and adults should receive a different pertussis containing vaccine – Tdap – a one time dose that will ensure ongoing protection.
Tdap and DTaP vaccines are available at local health care provider offices or at the Tompkins County Health Department. Call (607) 274-6616 for an appointment.
Basic respiratory hygiene - hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes and antibiotic treatment for those diagnosed with pertussis are crucial in controlling the spread of pertussis in the community.
For more information: www.tompkins-co.org/health/factsheets/pertussis.htm
Page updated: July 19, 2012 | Webmaster