Pertussis (whooping cough) cases continue to rise, but at slower pace than earlier this year

The number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases in DuPage County this year continues to rise, but at a slower pace than August through October. DuPage County usually averages 10 cases per year, but this year 118 cases have been reported to date. More than 1,000 cases have been reported in Illinois in 2004.

The coordinated, collaborative efforts between the medical community, schools, families, and state and local health departments have helped to contain this regional outbreak, but the DuPage County Health Department encourages vigilance in the community to prevent further outbreaks. Whooping cough is a highly infectious and usually mild bacterial illness, though it may cause serious illness in infants. The infection is easily transmitted through coughing and sneezing and may last for several months.

There is still a common perception that pertussis is a disease primarily of children, when in fact, adolescents and adults may be the main reservoir of the disease. Adults may then unknowingly transmit the infection to an infant, which may lead to hospitalization or death.

It is important to seek medical attention for appropriate testing and treatment, particularly as we enter the flu (influenza) season. There are some similarities between pertussis and influenza, such as cough and cold symptoms, but there are clinically unique features as well, such as a high fever with flu, and a persistent, spasmodic cough with pertussis.

Symptoms of pertussis may appear five to 10 days following exposure, but can take up to 21 days. The first symptoms are similar to those of a common cold: a runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild occasional cough persisting for at least two weeks. That cough can become severe and spasmodic—with a distinctive “whooping” sound—and may trigger vomiting after a coughing episode.

In addition to seeing your doctor for testing and treatment as necessary, preventive antibiotic treatment is recommended for all close contacts of a patient with pertussis, regardless of age and vaccination status. Frequent hand washing and respiratory hygiene (such as covering your cough, coughing into tissues and disposing of tissues promptly) are also necessary to prevent further transmission.

For additional information, contact the health department at (630) 682-7979, ext. 7553.

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