Whooping cough cases on the rise in Hill County

As of Sept. 10, there have been three confirmed cases of pertussi, commonly called whooping cough, reported in Hill County, and as of Sept. 5, there have been 275 confirmed cases in Montana.

The Hill County Health Department wants people to know how to best protect themselves and family from pertussis.

Pertussis is a contagious disease that affects the upper respiratory tract — throat and lungs — of those it attacks. Pertussis can occur at any age but is one of the most deadly diseases of infants and young children of this era and is highly contagious.

The first step that must be take as a community to prevent the spread of this disease is to make sure everyone that is not currently vaccinated against pertussis gets their immunization as soon as possible. The vaccine for pertussis is given in combination with diphtheria and tetanus. The schedule/recommendations for vaccination are:

• Birth through 6 years: DTaP is routinely given at 2, 4 and 6 months, at 15–18 months, and at 4–6 years.

• 7–10 years: Single dose of Tdap for those not fully vaccinated with DTaP.

• 11–18 years: Tdap is routinely given as a single dose for those 11–18 years of age.

• 19 years and older: Adults who have not received a dose of Tdap should get one as soon as possible to protect themselves as well as infants they may be around.

• Pregnant women: Pregnant women should receive a dose of Tdap during each pregnancy, preferably at 27 through 36 weeks gestation to hopefully provide passive immunity to their child that will protect them in early life.

Pertussis usually begins as a mild upper respiratory infection. Initially, symptoms resemble those of a common cold, including sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough. Within two weeks, the cough becomes more severe and is characterized by episodes of numerous rapid coughs followed by a crowing or high pitched whoop. A thick, clear mucus may be discharged by coughing.

These episodes may continue or recur for one to two months, and are more frequent at night. Older people or children who have received some pertussis vaccine generally have milder symptoms.

Anyone who is suspected of having pertussis or who is exposed to a person with the disease should be seen by their physician for evaluation. It is especially important that parents monitor their children for cough like illness and ideally withhold them from school until it has been determined that they do not have pertussis.

If you would like to check your immunization record to see if you have been vaccinated against pertussis, or have questions, please call the Hill County Health Department at 265-5481 ext. 266, or your health care provider.