The City of Amarillo (COA) Public Health Department (APHD) is providing the Amarillo community with tips to help prevent pertussis – also known as whooping cough.
“More than 10 cases of pertussis have been reported over the past two months,” said APHD Director Casie Stoughton. “We have seen an increase in pertussis activity in the community and want people to be aware of this illness. We want people to know the symptoms and risks of pertussis and to seek treatment to prevent spreading it to others.”
Pertussis begins with cold symptoms and a cough, which become much worse over one to two weeks.
Symptoms usually include a long series of coughs (coughing fits). Coughs may be followed by a whooping noise. There is generally no fever. Coughs may be followed by vomiting, turning blue or difficulty catching breath.
“The cough is often worse at night and cough medicines usually do not help ease the cough,” Stoughton said. “Most adults infected with pertussis have a mild illness, but children and infants can suffer severe problems that can be life-threatening.”
Vaccination protects babies and children as well as adults from pertussis. The vaccine (DTaP) is usually given at two months of age; four months of age; six months of age; 12 -15 months of age and four years of age. A Tdap booster is also available at 11-12 years or for 7th graders and adults up to age 64.
“If you think you might have pertussis (whooping cough), contact your doctor as you and your family might need antibiotic treatment,” said Stoughton. “If diagnosed with pertussis, children should stay out of school for five days after starting antibiotics to help slow the spread of pertussis to others. If antibiotics are prescribed to you or your family, it is important to take all of the medication.”
For more information, go to http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/ or contact Shannon Gregory of APHD at (806) 378-6321.
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