Vilas health department says whooping cough is a concern

As respiratory illness season starts, the Vilas County Public Health Department says that the number of people becoming ill with pertussis (whooping cough) is increasing throughout Wisconsin. 

To prevent the spread and to protect against severe symptoms or being hospitalized, the health department urges everyone to make sure they and their children take steps to stay healthy and are current on their pertussis vaccine.

Pertussis is a disease caused by bacteria and is easily spread by indoor, face-to-face contact.

Pertussis begins with cold-like symptoms: a runny nose, possible low-grade fever, and a mild cough. After 1-2 weeks, the illness can progress to spells of explosive coughing that can disturb breathing and sleeping. Ill people often make sounds as they struggle to inhale air (hence the name “whooping cough”). They can also gag or vomit from coughing. The coughing spells can last for several weeks or months.

Being treated early with antibiotics can help decrease the severity of the symptoms and prevent the spread of pertussis. People with pertussis must be isolated during the first 5 days of treatment.

The disease is preventable with the DTaP vaccine and is recommended for all infants and children between the ages of 2 months and 6 years of age. Also, pertussis vaccines are now licensed for people aged 7 years and older. These vaccines are recommended for youth and adults. People who are vaccinated may have milder symptoms and not have the typical “whoop.”

Other ways to stay healthy include washing hands often, covering a cough, and staying home when sick.

During respiratory illness season, it is important to not confuse the symptoms of pertussis with other respiratory illnesses, like influenza (flu). Influenza symptoms include the same cold-like symptoms, as well as high fever, body aches, and headaches.

Simple lab tests early in the illness can determine whether it is pertussis, influenza, or some other respiratory illness.

For more information visit http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/healthtips/bcd/pertussis.htm or http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/healthtips/bcd/Influenza.htm.

For more information call the Vilas County Public Health Department at 715-479-3656.