Two cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have been confirmed in Jersey County in the last two weeks
To compare, the county generally sees 1-4 cases per year. The Jersey County Health Department says this is not unusual, they are encouraging everyone to be mindful of pertussis symptoms and prevention.
Transmission of pertussis occurs person-to-person through the air by coughing or sneezing. The first symptoms are similar to a common cold such as a runny nose, sneezing, low grade fever and a mild, occasional cough. The cough gradually worsens and after one or two weeks, progresses to a rapid, spasmotic cough. The characteristic “whoop” comes from the sound made when breathing in after a coughing episode. Vomiting and exhaustion may accompany a coughing episode. Contact your physician if you experience symptoms of pertussis.
Proper hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes may help prevent the spread of pertussis as well as other viruses. Pertussis can also be prevented with adequate vaccination. Every child should get pertussis containing vaccine at 2,4,6 and 15 months of age with another dose given at 4 to 6 years old. Vaccination is required for child care centers and entrance to school.
Adolescents and adults can also be vaccinated against pertussis. The Tdap (tetanus, diptheria and pertussis) vaccine is now available for persons age 10 through 64 years old. This is a one-time only vaccine given in place of a Td vaccine. Parents and care givers of infants, those at risk of exposure to pertussis and anyone wanting to prevent pertussis infection should receive the Tdap vaccine.
Additional information on pertussis is available at the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website: www.idph.state.il.us, the CDC’s website: www.cdc.gov or by contacting Jersey County Health Department at 618-498-9565, ext. 301.
