Whooping Cough: How to Prevent the Spread

from Health Department of Northwest Michigan

How to prevent the spread

Whooping cough, also known as Pertussis, has been reported in a child in Northwest Michigan. This coincides with an increase in reports of whooping cough across the state over the last several weeks. Whooping cough is an upper respiratory illness that can spread easily from person to person. The bacteria that causes whooping cough passes though the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A nearby person can breath in those airborne droplets of mucus or saliva and become infected.

Young infants under three months of age, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, are among those at greatest risk of developing a severe case of whooping cough.

“Pertussis is preventable and the public can protect themselves and their families through vaccination,” says Dr. Joshua Meyerson, HDNW Medical Director. “Vaccination can help protect people of all ages. There are vaccinations for children and adults.”

Symptoms of whooping cough can vary for people based on their age and if they’ve been vaccinated, according to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. Early symptoms are similar to a cold, such as, a runny nose, sore throat, low-grade fever, a mild cough, and red or watery eyes. After about one week coughing fits become intense and a high-pitched “whooping” sound can occur when inhaling after a coughing fit.

“If you think you have been exposed to whooping cough, consult your healthcare provider,” Dr. Meyerson says. “It’s important to treat whooping cough early, before coughing fits begin. A healthcare provider can give you an antibiotic to treat symptoms and prevent a severe case from developing.”

Steps to Prevention