The Lenawee County Health Department (LCHD) is alerting residents to a significant increase in whooping cough (pertussis) cases in the county. As of today, there have been 23 confirmed cases, compared to just one case in 2023. This surge reflects broader trends, with high pertussis activity reported across Michigan and highlights the need for community awareness and preventive measures.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects individuals of all ages. It can be particularly dangerous for infants and those with chronic health conditions. LCHD urges the community to remain vigilant, recognize the symptoms, and take necessary precautions to prevent further spread.
LCHD urges anyone with pertussis symptoms should see their health care provider right away to get tested. LCHD encourage every parent to check their own and their child(ren)’s vaccination status against whooping cough (pertussis). Anyone who wants to check on their immunization records can check online at https://mcir.org to check their history and schedule an appointment if vaccines are due.
Anyone with pertussis should stay home until five days of antibiotic treatment has been completed. People that live with someone with pertussis should talk to their doctor about receiving a course of antibiotics to prevent the spread of the infection.
Pertussis or Whooping Cough
Pertussis is a very contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. The whooping cough name comes from the “whoop” sound an infected person may make when trying to breathe after a hard coughing fit. This traditional whoop does not necessarily occur in infants, vaccinated children, teens, or adults.
Pertussis is spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The greatest risk of spread is during the early stage when the symptoms resemble a cold.
- Early symptoms include low fever, runny nose, sneezing, and occasional cough
- Later symptoms:
- In 1-2 weeks, cough becomes more severe
- During bouts of coughing, lips and nails may turn blue from lack of air. Vomiting may occur with severe coughing bouts.
- In between coughing episodes, people may feel or appear fairly healthy
- Coughing may last for a month or longer
Complications in teens and adults include difficulty sleeping, pneumonia, and rib fractures. For infants, complications include pneumonia, convulsions, and, in rare cases, brain damage. Most deaths from pertussis occur in infants younger than three months.
Vaccination
There are two kinds of vaccines that help prevent pertussis: DTap and Tdap. The DTap (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis) vaccine is recommended for infants and young children starting at 2 months with a total of four doses by 18 months. A booster is given at 4-6 years.
Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine is given to teens and adults with the first dose recommended at 11-12 years. A booster is recommended every 10 years. Tdap is also recommended during each pregnancy.
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