The Taney County Health Department (TCHD) is seeing a rise in pertussis cases. Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough, is a respiratory illness known for its coughing fits. Anyone of any age can get pertussis.

“Keeping community members safe is our top priority,” shares Erica Craig, TCHD Clinical Manager, “It is important for the community to learn about pertussis and the steps they can take to stay healthy.”

Pertussis spreads when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing droplets into the air. The droplets don’t travel far through the air and usually only infect people nearby. People with pertussis can spread it to others for the first 3 weeks of coughing or until they complete 5 days of antibiotic treatment.

The early symptoms of pertussis are similar to a cold. After a week or two, the cough gets worse and may occur in sudden, uncontrollable bursts. Sometimes coughing will lead to vomiting or a high-pitched whoop sound when breathing in. People with pertussis may seem well between coughing fits. The coughing fits may last for 1 to 6 weeks but can continue for up to 10 weeks. These may occur less as time passes but may continue for several weeks or months until the lungs heal.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent pertussis. The pertussis vaccine is part of the regularly recommended childhood vaccines. A booster for adolescents and adults is also recommended. Ask your health care provider for more information. In addition to vaccination, it is important to also:

• Wash your hands often

• Stay at home if you are ill

• When coughing, cover your mouth with a tissue or cough into your sleeve
 

Call the Taney County Health department today to schedule your vaccine: 417-334-4544 ext.590. For more information visit our website at www.taneycohealth.org, or like our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X pages.

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The above press release is from the Taney County Health Department.