Is it a cough or a … whooping cough?

by Lynn Beltran in Q Health | 0 comments

Public health news of late has talked a lot about a respiratory infection caused by the Bordatella pertussis bacteria. Due to the nature of the symptoms, pertussis infection is commonly referred to as whooping cough. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have announced many pertussis epidemics in the U.S. for 2010, and certainly Salt Lake County has experienced several outbreaks in recent years. The biggest issue with pertussis is that it can lead to significant illness and respiratory distress, particularly in infants and in those who are immune-compromised. Complications from pertussis can include pneumonia, cracked ribs, dehydration, seizures, ear infections, brain damage and death.

Some of the most common symptoms of pertussis begin as cold-like symptoms, including cough, low grade fever and a runny nose. What often happens is that pertussis begins with a mild cough, and in about a week that cough escalates to more severe coughing fits that may end with a whoop. The whoop occurs because so much air has been expelled during the coughing fit that the next breath in is so forced that it sounds like a whoop. This can go on for weeks or longer, particularly when left untreated. The coughing fits are often followed by feelings of exhaustion and can lead to vomiting. Babies often have to be hospitalized when plagued with such respiratory distress.

The good news is that pertussis, or whooping cough, is treatable with antibiotic therapy. The treatment is most effective when given early in the disease, generally within a week or two of exposure. It is most effective if given before the cough becomes a whoop. Early treatment decreases the risk of transmission to others. Treatment is generally no longer effective if the infection has gone on for more than three weeks. The most common treatment for an adolescent or adult is a Z-Pak, comprised of azithromycin taken over a five-day period.

The best way to help control or prevent any future outbreaks is to ensure ongoing vaccination among adolescents and adults. School-age children comprise a significant portion of many outbreaks, and part of the problem is that they take the bacteria home and may infect infant siblings who develop more serious complications from the bacteria. When any person in a household is diagnosed with pertussis, the CDC recommend that all household members get presumptively treated and/or vaccinated in order to prevent any further transmission, or to possibly prevent infection from developing. When a student or athletic team member is diagnosed, it is also common practice to presumptively treat and or vaccinate class or team members.

The CDC also came out with new vaccination recommendations about six years ago that are meant to provide booster vaccines to adolescents and adults. Most vaccines are now given in combination and provides protection against pertussis, diptheria and tetanus.

It is recommended that children receive a series of five vaccines given at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months and 4-6 years. Children and adolescents should receive a booster vaccine somewhere between 11 and 18 years, with the ideal being given around 11 years of age. Adults, 19 years of age and older, should also receive the vaccine.

It is very important that any adult who has contact with an infant or anyone who is immune-compromised remain current with their vaccine to prevent spreading disease to a susceptible host. The vaccine schedule can seem very complicated, therefore it is best to consult your medical provider and aim to stay vaccinated.

If you have any questions regarding pertussis, you may call the Salt Lake Valley Health Department Bureau of Infectious Diseases at 801-534-4601.