Prevent Pertussis (Whooping Cough),
Get Immunized
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly
contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacterium
Bordetella pertussis.
Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent
coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of coughing,
someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breathes which result in
a "whooping" sound. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young
children and can be fatal, especially in babies less than 1 year of age.
The best way to protect against pertussis is
immunization.
There has been an increase in this totally preventable
disease throughout the country including one infant death in Palm Beach
County in 2011. Palm Beach County Health Department had 24 reported
cases of pertussis in 2011. There were only 9 cases reported the
previous year. Health officials are advising adults with infant
children and those who will come in contact with infants to review their
vaccination record and get a tetanus/pertussis (Tdap) booster
vaccination.
According to Palm Beach County Health Department Director Alina Alonso,
MD, “It’s really important now, more than ever, for adults to get the
Tdap vaccine if they haven’t been immunized recently. All adults are
encouraged to consult with their medical provider and get the
tetanus/pertussis booster if eligible.”
Vaccination of pre-teens, teens and adults with Tdap is especially
important for families with new infants. As more pre-teens, teens
and adults are protected, the chance of passing pertussis along to a
baby is greatly reduced.
The most effective way to prevent pertussis is through
vaccination with DTaP for infants and children and with Tdap
for pre-teens, teens and adults — protection from the childhood
vaccine fades over time. Tdap is now also approved for pregnant women.
Pertussis is generally treated with antibiotics, which
are used to control the symptoms and to prevent infected people from
spreading the disease.
For More Information:
From the Palm Beach County Health Dept.
Epidemiology & Disease Control.
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