Health Department Alerts Public to Pertussis Outbreak

The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is alerting the public about an outbreak of pertussis (also known as whooping cough) in Lake County and surrounding areas. As of December 8, health officials reported 138 confirmed cases, which is the highest number of cases reported in Lake County in five years.

“It's a false notion to assume that pertussis is a mild disease limited only to babies, toddlers and unvaccinated people,” said Irene Pierce, the Health Department's Executive Director. “We are finding cases in various population groups especially among children and young teenagers, including those who previously had the pertussis vaccination. Therefore, it is important for everyone to know the symptoms and seek medical advice if they or someone in their family have symptoms resembling pertussis.”

Health officials urge those who have had a long-lasting, severe cough, that tends to be worse at night and which sounds different than a typical upper respiratory cough, to consult their physicians. Over-the-counter medicines are ineffective in treating pertussis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses the importance of a pertussis booster for those aged 11 to 64 and those 65+ who are caregivers for young children. High risk populations include infants/young children (birth to 5 years of age) who may not be fully vaccinated, children who didn't receive a booster shot, those who are immune compromised and older adults.

Pertussis is a highly communicable, vaccine-preventable disease that can last for several months. Although the vaccine's ability to protect may wane after several years, it is important that all babies are immunized with a pertussis containing vaccine, since it can be fatal to infants.

Symptoms usually appear five to 10 days after exposure, but can take as long as 21 days. The first symptoms are similar to those of a common cold accompanied by coughing. The cough gradually becomes severe and often progresses to coughing spasms, which can end in vomiting or the characteristic, high-pitched “whoop.” The cough becomes dry and irritating, and sounds different from a typical upper respiratory infection cough. Coughing may last as long as 10 weeks. Recovery is gradual, and coughing episodes can recur with subsequent respiratory infections or irritations for months after the onset of the disease.

If this illness is confirmed by a medical provider, stay home from work or school during the first five days of treatment. Early treatment may alleviate the severity of these symptoms.

Pertussis is spread through direct contact with discharges from respiratory mucous membranes of infected persons by the airborne route, probably by droplets. Treatment is recommended for all confirmed and suspect cases with a cough of one month or less duration. Infants and pregnant women should still be treated if they have a cough lasting up to two months. To prevent secondary cases, it is important that all household and close (best friends) contacts should be treated the same way at the same time as the ill persons.

In recent years in the United States, pertussis in adolescents and young adults, varying in severity from a mild, atypical respiratory illness to the full-blown syndrome, has been recognized with increasing frequency. Most of these cases have occurred in previously immunized people, indicating waning immunity. Nonetheless, it is important for children to get their childhood immunizations on time. It is also important that people with cough illnesses with unknown origin stay away from babies under 6 months of age.

For additional information, contact the Health Department's Communicable Disease Program at: (847) 377-8130.