MADISON, Wis. — There is a pertussis outbreak in Dane County, according to public health officials.
Public Health Madison & Dane County said there have been 43 cases of pertussis — also known as whooping cough — in the county in the last eight weeks.
Most of those infected are teenagers. Anyone can contract pertussis, but it can be most serious — or even deadly — for infants and people who are immunocompromised.
“Vaccines have made cases of pertussis rare, in fact we go many months out of the year without a single case, so to see these kinds of numbers is significant and we are urging the community to take this increase seriously,” said Amanda Kita-Yarbro, epidemiologist for Public Health Madison & Dane County.
The recent outbreak has led to increased concern among area-health care providers.
Dr. James Conway, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at UW Health, emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly for vulnerable groups such as elderly people, immunocompromised individuals and adolescents.
“Adolescents [should] get a Tdap vaccine when they go to middle school. And obviously, we’re coming up on back-to-school season. It’s really important for people to get their adolescents [into a doctor’s office] this summer to make sure they’re up to date with their middle school and high school vaccines, because they’re the ones that are actually the primary group so far that we’re diagnosing with whooping cough. At this point, it’s primarily teenagers and adolescents,” he said.
However, even if someone has been vaccinated to protect against pertussis, they can still be infected with it. Officials said the vaccines do work, though.
“Even if someone has been fully vaccinated against pertussis, the protective effects can wane over time, and they can still get pertussis. The vaccine is working, as we are not seeing severe illness or hospitalization among the people affected,” Public Health Madison & Dane County said in a statement.
Neuhauser Pharmacy pharmacist Maren Rasmussen noted the availability of the Tdap combo vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.
“We have some in the fridge already and we are able to order it. And so it is available, if people are interested in getting it,” Rasmussen stated.
Pertussis is a respiratory infection caused by bacteria. It presents as a persistent cough illness and can spread easily.
“Initial symptoms of pertussis are like a common cold, so during this time it’s common for people to choose to go about their daily routine. This unfortunately can lead to others being exposed before a diagnosis happens. Then, after about a week, the cough can get much worse, for some people making it hard to breathe,” said Kita-Yarbro.
Public Health Madison & Dane County recommended the following steps to prevent pertussis during this time:
- Check your vaccine status
Public health officials urged parents to ensure their kids are up to date on the DTaP vaccine and that all adults are up to date on their Tdap vaccine. Those who were vaccinated in the Badger State can check their vaccine record, here.
Those who are not up to date on immunizations can make an appoint with their medical provider or at a pharmacy to receive shots. - Keep symptoms in check
If you think you or your child was exposed to pertussis or are showing symptoms of pertussis, contact your medical provider immediately. Public health officials said even though pertussis is well-known for a “whoop” sound, the sound is not common in teens or adults. Some babies and children will not make a “whoop” sound either. They could still have pertussis. - Practice good hygiene
Public health officials urged people to stay home if they are sick. If you are coughing, make sure you cover your mouth with a tissue or cough into your sleeve. Of course, wash your hands often.
Internationally-acclaimed photographer Kat Stiennon shared her own experience with the disease nearly a decade ago and described similar symptoms. She said she had Pertussis for three months. She was too sick to work at times.
“It’s that wheezing, gasping for air, and it doesn’t feel like you’re filling your lungs. You’re just coughing, coughing and coughing,” she said.
Despite the time that has passed, Stiennon said she remains vigilant about her health and encouraged others to be proactive, especially considering the outbreak.
“There were times that I [thought] I was gonna die, that I didn’t think I’d make it. It is a painful experience, a scary experience, and I hope everyone stays safe,” she said.
-
