Whitman County is currently experiencing an outbreak of Pertussis. Dr. Pete Mikkelsen, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Emergency Medicine at Pullman Regional Hospital, provides important information for the community to stay safe and healthy.
What is Pertussis (Whooping Cough)?
Pertussis, also known as “Whooping Cough,” can cause uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe, eat, or drink. Pertussis can be extremely serious especially for babies and young children, causing pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, or death. In teens and adults, it can cause weight loss, loss of bladder control, passing out, and rib fractures from severe coughing.
Pertussis often presents as a common cold, initially. It usually takes 5 to 10 days for symptoms to appear after exposure to the bacteria that cause Whooping Cough. Sometimes, symptoms don't develop for as long as three weeks. Symptoms include a runny or stuffed-up nose, low-grade fever, and occasional cough.
One to two weeks after the first symptoms start, people may develop paroxysms, known as coughing fits. These coughing fits usually last 1-6 weeks but can last for up to 10 weeks. The cough generally gets worse and becomes more frequent as the illness continues.
Many babies with Whooping Cough don't cough at all. Instead, they may have apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing). The apnea may cause cyanosis (to turn blue) or they may struggle to breathe. For some babies, Whooping Cough may seem like a common cold for the entire illness, not just the beginning.
How is Pertussis spread?
Pertussis spreads easily through droplets from coughing, sneezing, and even talking. An infected person, left untreated, can spread Pertussis for several weeks.
“Pertussis is extremely communicable. It’s important to take extra precautions around infants, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised,” says Dr. Mikkelsen. “Masking is essential to control the spread, even if you have been vaccinated.”
What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed to Pertussis?
Pertussis presents as an upper respiratory viral infection that doesn’t go away (10+ days of symptoms).
How can I prevent the spread of Pertussis?
There are multiple lines of defense against the spread of Pertussis. Dr. Mikkelsen strongly encourages everyone to mask when they’re sick. “Masking truly protects the spread of respiratory infections. As we enter cold, flu, and COVID-19 season, alongside this county outbreak of Pertussis, it’s important to mask when you’re experiencing symptoms, stay home if you’re sick, and seek care when you need to,” says Dr. Mikkelsen.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) Vaccine is available for children 7 years and older, adolescents (preferably at age 11 or 12), and adults. Pregnant people should get a dose of Tdap during every pregnancy, preferably during the early part of the third trimester, to help protect the newborn from Pertussis. Adults should receive a booster dose of Tdap every 10 years.
For infants as young as 6 weeks old, Dtap vaccines are available. It is a part of the standard vaccine schedule at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months and 4 years and very important, especially with this outbreak.
Please note that Pertussis vaccines work but aren't perfect. For people who've been vaccinated but still get Whooping Cough, their illness is generally milder. “Don’t rely on the vaccine as your only form of protection,” says Dr. Mikkelsen. “Masking AND vaccination is key to preventing the spread.”
I don’t remember when my last Tdap vaccine was. What should I do?
Call your primary care provider’s office or check your online health portal to access your vaccination records.
If you’re due for a Tdap vaccine, contact your primary care provider’s office to schedule, or visit any local retail pharmacy.
Safeway Pharmacy in Moscow offers vaccines via scheduled appointments. Call Safeway Pharmacy at (208) 882-2663 or book your vaccination appointment online at https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/vaccines-and-immunizations.html