Pertussis (whooping cough) on the rise in Iowa
Pertussis, a respiratory illness, is circulating in our community. Who is vulnerable, how does it spread, and how can we stay healthy?
To learn more, we talked to infectious disease expert Melanie Wellington, MD, PhD.
- Pertussis is a contagious respiratory illness commonly known as whooping cough.
- Pertussis cases have been detected in our community in the last few weeks.
- Symptoms may begin like a common cold, but unlike a cold, coughing can last for weeks or months.
- Treating people early with antibiotics may make the infection less serious and decrease the spread of the infection.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone who is 6 weeks old or older get vaccinated.
- Even those who have been vaccinated against pertussis can be infected, though illness is often less severe and reduces the risk of transmission.
What is pertussis?
People may know pertussis as whooping cough. It is a highly contagious bacterial infection, known for severe coughing that can cause fits or “whooping.” When the coughing fits are particularly severe, they can lead to vomiting.
Pertussis has been detected in our community recently, so it’s important to be on the lookout for symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
Depending on the person’s age, symptoms can vary. Symptoms can also vary depending on if a person has been vaccinated.
In general, early symptoms can last for 1 to 2 weeks and usually include a runny or stuffy nose, a low fever (less than 100.4°F), sore throat, and a mild cough.
Later symptoms include coughing fits. These coughing fits may cause a person to “whoop” or make a high-pitched sound when inhaling.
In babies, pertussis can be especially serious or in some cases deadly. Even though babies may not cough, they may experience pauses or difficulty in breathing. About 1 in 3 babies younger than 1 year old who get whooping cough need care in the hospital.
How does it spread?
Pertussis spreads through droplets in the air that are made when a person who is infected sneezes or coughs.
A person with pertussis may be contagious for weeks and may not even know they are spreading the bacteria if they have no or mild symptoms.
Is there a test to determine if someone has pertussis?
Yes. Health care providers can diagnose pertussis by performing an exam that may include symptom evaluation, a mucus sample test from the back of a patient’s throat, or a blood test.
What is the treatment?
The earlier someone can be diagnosed with pertussis, the better. That allows us to start antibiotics early, which may prevent the progression of symptoms or decrease the chances that other people will be infected.
What should people do if they’ve been around someone with pertussis?
If you think you’ve been exposed to someone who has pertussis, you may need preventive antibiotics. We encourage you to talk to your health care provider about receiving these antibiotics.
Can we prevent pertussis?
Yes! There is an effective vaccine against pertussis that is available for anyone who is 6 weeks old or older. Vaccination may not completely prevent pertussis, but it reduces the symptoms and severity of pertussis.
It’s important to know your vaccination status. If you’re not sure if you’ve been vaccinated, or if you would like to be vaccinated, talk to your health care provider.
You should also follow good personal hygiene practices like washing your hands often, covering your coughs and sneezes, and staying home when you feel sick.
Pertussis is in our community, and early symptoms may be similar to the common cold. The good news is there is a vaccination available, and you can also practice common sense hygiene practices like washing your hands often. Early diagnosis is key to getting started on antibiotics right away and preventing the progression of illness. You may also be eligible to take antibiotics as a preventive measure if you know you have been exposed to someone who is sick.
