For the week of Oct 30 - Nov 5, 2002

Pertussis a whopping pain in the throat for valley

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By DANA DUGAN
and GREG MOORE
Express Staff Writers

The number of whooping cough cases recently reported in Blaine County has risen to 30.

According to South Central District Health, many of the cases reported since the apparent outbreak began Sept. 20 have been of school children. The agency is encouraging all local residents to make sure their children are up to date on immunizations.

Known in medical terms as pertussis, the bacteria-caused disease gets its common name from the rapid inhalation of air that occurs between paroxysms of coughing experienced by its sufferers.

"Pertussis is a serious disease for young children and persons with serious medical problems," Lisa Klamm, South Central District Health immunization coordinator, said.

However, the Health District office, says that the situation is under control.

Because it’s a bacterial infection, like the flu, it can be treated with antibiotics. People most at risk for catching it from children are family members.

Though contagious, the State Communicable Disease Center said "It would be inappropriate at this time to consider closing any Blaine County schools as there is no basis for it."

Pertussis vaccines were introduced in the mid-1940s, after which the incidence of this disease in the United States declined. However, since 1980 the incidence has been rising. In 1996, 7,796 cases occurred, the highest annual number reported since 1967.

The agency recommends a series of five vaccinations beginning at age 2 months. Although infants and young children continue to have the highest rates of pertussis, those rates have not increased since 1993. On the other hand, the incidence among teens and adults has increased. Since immunity from the vaccine may decline with age, youths and adults may be susceptible to catching the disease. There is, however, no vaccine approved for people over 7 years old.

Early signs of pertussis include a cold followed by a persistent cough. Coughing attacks continue for four to six weeks.

If someone has a persistent cough for several days, they should see a doctor or call the District Health Office at 788-4335 for more information.

 

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