06/29/2005: "Whooping Cough? Again? In July?"

It has been a couple of years since the last case, but JoAnne Campbell, (RN, MPH) who is the Personal Health Services Manager for San Juan County Health & Community Services, reported to the SJC Board of Health (aka: the BOCC) that the Department is n investigating a confirmed case of pertussis (which we lay people know as "whooping cough")and a possible second case. The problem may not be over. The investigation of the confirmed case indicated that as many as 75 children and 5 adults may have had at least some contact with the individual with the confirmed case -this does not mean these people will also become infected, but it does mean there is that possibility. According to Campbell many of those who have had contact with the infected person have been referred to their physicians for any appropriate action deemed necessary.

Because Pertussis has also been identified in neighboring counties, exposure is more likely as people travel. According to Campbell, "Pertussis is most contagious during the first week when symptoms are mild like a bad cold. The irritating cough persists and gradually develops into a series of repeated and violent coughs (many occur without an opportunity to inhale), and then may be followed by a high-pitched inspiratory whoop and/or vomiting. The contagious period lasts until 3 weeks after the onset of the fits of coughing" and she added "The illness may last for 1-2 months or longer".

In a released statement, Campbell included the following warning: "Pertussis is among the most lethal diseases of unimmunized infants and young children. Parents should keep young infants and unimmunized children away from individuals with even mild cough and upper respiratory illness and start the immunization series. Immunization of susceptible children less than seven years of age is critical for control of pertussis. Vaccine is available through the San Juan County Health Department and through local physicians.

It is known that older children and adults with mild persistent cough illness (unrecognized as pertussis) are a major source of transmission. There is no vaccine available yet for those seven years of age and older. However, for close contacts and suspected cases of any age a course of antibiotics is recommended to prevent disease or limit contagiousness.
Contact the Health Department at 378-4474 or your physician for information regarding pertussis disease or DTaP vaccinations."