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Update:
Whooping Cough in Utah On The Rise
Health experts are seeing an increase in pertusis (whooping cough) this year in Utah. Intermountain Healthcare facilities generally only see two to three cases a week statewide, but this year they are seeing around ten cases per week. Doctors are concerned that it is being spread in the elementary schools, with children between the ages of one and ten being hit the hardest.
Pertussis is very contagious and can occur in both children and adults. However, infants and toddlers are at the highest risk for related complications, including apnea, pneumonia, seizures, encephalopathy, and death. The disease starts out much like the common cold with congestion, a mild cough or fever, but after one to two weeks severe coughing begins. The name "whooping cough" comes from the sound children make when inhaling after they have coughed all the air out of their lungs. Pertussis is spread through coughing and sneezing.
The best way to protect your child is to be sure they are up to date on their vaccines. Children should be vaccinated for pertussis at the ages of two months, four months, six months, eighteen months, five years, and 11 to 15 years. Unfortunately there is no vaccine for children ages seven to ten, so it is important to make sure you always have your children vaccinated at the proper time to ensure they are protected in the future.
If you are around children, especially babies, it is important to make sure you are also up to date on your vaccines. Experts believe that the current increase in pertussis could stem from adults who have had their vaccine wear off and are unaware that they have the disease. The vaccine generally only lasts five to ten years.
If you suspect that you or your child has pertussis, be sure to see your doctor.
For more information:
Whooping cough cases on the rise
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