Health department monitors pertussis cases

[December 10, 2010]  The Logan County Department of Public Health, working in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health, is sending out information to local medical providers concerning the increase in cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, in Illinois. Like many other states, Illinois is seeing an increase in the number of reported pertussis cases. As of Dec. 1, there have been 813 cases of pertussis reported in Illinois, compared with 648 cases in 2009.

The Logan County Department of Public Health is recommending appropriate action to help assure protection against this disease within the community. Medical providers are being reminded of the importance of early disease recognition and treatment regarding all diagnosed cases of whooping cough. Additionally, the health department is providing guidance on the use of preventive antibiotics of close contacts and family members of individuals diagnosed with pertussis.

Pertussis poses the greatest risk to infants, who have more serious illness and are more likely to have complications and be hospitalized than individuals in other age groups. For example, 10 infant deaths due to pertussis have been reported in California this year. Anyone who has not had pertussis previously or who has not received the pertussis vaccine can get the disease. Immunity following disease or vaccination is not lifelong. Older children, adolescents and adults can become susceptible to pertussis five to 10 years after their last dose of pertussis-containing vaccine.

Older children and adults can carry the germ and spread it even though their cold-like symptoms may be so mild they might not seek medical care. The first symptoms are similar to those of a common cold -- a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever and a mild, occasional cough. The cough gradually becomes severe, and after one to two weeks, the patient has spasmodic bursts of numerous, rapid coughs. The characteristic high-pitched "whoop," which is more common in children, comes from breathing in after a coughing episode.

Maintaining high vaccination coverage rates among preschool children, adolescents and adults and minimizing exposures of infants and individuals at high risk for pertussis is the most effective way to prevent the illness. Until children, particularly infants, have had all vaccinations for pertussis, they are at greater risk of health complications. Adults with close contact with infants should confirm their vaccination status with their medical providers.

For more information, contact the Logan County Department of Public Health at 217-735-2317.

[Text from file received from the Logan County Department of Public Health]