Pertussis Confirmed in Canyon County

Southwest District Health confirms two positive cases of pertussis with more cases under investigation. The confirmed cases are twin sisters, aged less than one year, and residing in Canyon County. They were hospitalized and have been released.

Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air from an infected person during coughing, sneezing, or talking. Pertussis begins with cold-like symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever, and a mild cough. Over 1-2 weeks the cough may become much worse. Symptoms usually include a long series of coughs (“coughing fits” or spasms) followed by a whooping noise. Older children, adults, and very young infants may not develop “the whoop” and experience less severe symptoms. People with pertussis may have a series of coughs and then may vomit, turn blue, or experience difficulty in catching their breath. The cough is often worse at night and cough medicines usually do not help the cough. If you have pertussis, you may be contagious for three weeks if not treated, and for five days after treatment has begun.

“It is particularly concerning to us that we continue to see pertussis cases and its complications, as it is a vaccine-preventable disease,” said Jennifer Tripp, Staff Epidemiologist for Southwest District Health. “Most fully-immunized children are at low risk for contracting pertussis, however, infants under one year, and particularly those under six months, are most likely to experience severe illness if they develop the disease,” she said.

Tripp suggests that if your child comes down with cold symptoms that include a cough, to speak to your child’s medical provider without delay. Giving antibiotics early can help your child get well faster and will lower the chances of spreading the disease to others. Adults exposed to pertussis should also be given antibiotics to prevent the disease, even if they have been vaccinated.

“Pertussis immunizations you received as a child do not provide lifetime protection,” Tripp warned. A new vaccine, know as Tdap, is now recommended for adults from 19 to 64 years and adolescents from 11-18 years. ” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the Tdap vaccine to help protect adults from pertussis and also to reduce the risk of transmitting pertussis to infants and those most at risk of developing serious or life-threatening complications. For specifics about this new vaccine, check with your medical provider.

In addition, Southwest District Health recommends:

Anyone exposed to or having the symptoms of Pertussis should seek medical care and treatment, especially if they develop cold-like symptoms or a cough.
When possible, young infants should be kept away from people with a cough. A doctor should promptly evaluate infants with any coughing illness.
If you have children less than 7 years of age who have not been completely immunized against Pertussis (particularly infants under one year), you should speak with your child’s immunization provider (doctor or health department) about vaccination.
As always, care should be taken to practice good hygiene. Remind your children to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, dispose of used tissues properly, and wash their hands often. These are key prevention measures in reducing the spread of any respiratory illness.

For more information, or if you have further questions, please contact your primary care provider, or Southwest District Health at (208) 455-5442.