Health officials in Suffolk County are urging doctors and residents to remain vigilant as a pertussis outbreak has emerged, sparking concerns and prompting widespread warnings. Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be particularly dangerous, especially for infants and young children.
Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Health Commissioner, highlighted an escalating trend in pertussis cases monitored by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. Most of the 108 reported cases involve school-aged children and their parents from various regional school districts. Notably, most of the affected individuals, despite being vaccinated, are experiencing milder symptoms compared to the potential severity in unvaccinated individuals. It is reassuring to note that, as of now, the county has no information about any hospitalizations resulting from this pertussis outbreak.
“In light of the prevalence of numerous respiratory illnesses, some lacking specific treatments, we aim to inform parents that pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, can be effectively treated with antibiotics when diagnosed promptly,” stated Dr. Pigott.
Picture credit: https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/diseases/pertussis
“It is crucial to emphasize the potential severity of whooping cough, especially for infants too young to receive vaccinations. Therefore, we are issuing alerts to medical professionals and the public regarding the circulation of this illness.”
Whooping cough, scientifically termed pertussis, is a respiratory tract infection initiated by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It is markedly contagious, transmitted through the air via coughing or sneezing by infected individuals. Typical symptoms encompass cough, nasal congestion, and fever, with the cough often persisting for several weeks. Infants, particularly those who are either unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated, face an elevated risk of experiencing severe illness or encountering complications such as breathing pauses, pneumonia, convulsions, brain-related issues, or even fatalities.
While antibiotics may facilitate a gradual recovery for most individuals, the optimal approach to prevent or mitigate the severity of the disease is “vaccination.” It is strongly advised that routine vaccination against pertussis be prioritized for both children and adults. Specifically, the DTaP vaccine for children and the TDaP vaccine for adults offer protection against pertussis and safeguard against two other significant infections—tetanus and diphtheria. Pregnant women are also encouraged to receive the TDaP vaccine during each pregnancy, which protects their infants against whooping cough during the crucial early months of life.
If someone shows signs of pertussis, they should stay home and immediately see a doctor for testing. Starting antibiotics early is important, especially for reducing symptoms in infants. People diagnosed with pertussis should stay home from work or school for five days while on antibiotics to avoid spreading the illness to others.
To prevent the transmission of respiratory illnesses, the CDC advises practicing proper hygiene:
- Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Dispose of used tissues in the waste basket.
- If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, ensuring at least 20 seconds of thorough washing.
- If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub instead.
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Reference
- Suffolk Health Officials Alert Public of Rise in Pertussis Cases. Health News [Internet]. Published on 30 December, 2023. Available from: https://suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Health-News/ArtMID/3434/ArticleID/11317/Suffolk-Health-Officials-Alert-Public-of-Rise-in-Pertussis-Cases
