Vaccination best way to stop pertussis

The recent pertussis (or whooping cough) related deaths of children in Washington have raised concerns among some Lincoln County residents.

In 2009 nearly 17,000 cases were reported in the United States and many more go unreported and undiagnosed. In Montana there were 43 confirmed and reported cases in 2009 and more than 60 thus far in 2010. Pertussis has been confirmed in Lincoln County this fall.

Pertussis is a contagious respiratory illness, present only in humans, and caused by a particular type of bacteria. It is spread by droplets, which are produced by an infected person coughing or sneezing, to others who then breathe in the droplets.

The disease usually starts with common cold-like symptoms and sometimes a mild cough or fever. Because pertussis in the early stages appears to be nothing more than the common cold, it is often not suspected or diagnosed until more severe symptoms appear.

Unfortunately, infected persons are contagious during this time with severe coughing usually beginning one to two weeks after the onset of the cold-like symptoms. Symptoms, including cough, gradually diminish over weeks to months, with the duration typically being six to 10 weeks. Pertussis can cause violent and rapid coughing over and over until the air is gone from the lungs and you are forced to inhale with a loud “whooping” sound, however the “whoop” is not always present.

The extreme coughing can also cause vomiting and tiredness after coughing.

Infants and young children, particularly those who are not fully immunized, are at greatest risk for complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) of those infants younger than 1 year of age who get pertussis, more than half must be hospitalized. Some infected infants also experience apnea which is slowed or stopped breathing.

The best way to prevent pertussis is vaccination. In the United States the recommended vaccine for children is called DTaP (combination of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) with five shots required for maximum protection.

Pre-teens should get a booster of Tdap, (combination of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) at age 11-12 or when entering seventh grade. Adults who did not get the Tdap as a teen or pre-teen should get a Tdap instead of the Td (tetanus) booster.

Being vaccinated with Tdap is especially important for families and caregivers of infants. If you have had pertussis, your body will have a natural defense to future infections, but since this immunity fades, a Tdap booster is recommended.

While pertussis vaccines are effective in preventing the disease, no vaccine is 100 percent. According to the CDC, if you contact pertussis and have been immunized, the infection is usually less severe and does not last as long. Parents can also help protect infants by keeping them away as much as possible from anyone with cold symptoms or who are coughing.

If you have questions or are unsure if you or other family members need immunization, contact your health-care provider or the Lincoln County Health Department at 293-2660.

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(Marci Johnson is the communicable disease coordinator for the Lincoln County Health Department).