Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

For Immediate Release

Date:               November 21, 2007

Contact:         Gary Johnson, MD, MPH

                        Medical Director

Phone:            (810) 257-3812                     Fax:  (810) 257-3147

RE:                              Prevention and Control of Pertussis in Genesee County

A case of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has been identified in Genesee County. The Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) recommends the following steps to prevent and control pertussis in Genesee County:

·         Get properly vaccinated to prevent pertussis and other diseases such as influenza

·         Consult a physician if you have symptoms that you think might be pertussis

·         Physicians should recognize that pertussis is in the community and consider it in their differential diagnoses

·         Physicians should ensure that their patients are fully vaccinated

·         Practice good hand washing at home, work, school, and other communal settings

·         Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette

·         Stay home when sick

Pertussis is a contagious respiratory disease. Symptoms begin like a cold and include fever, runny nose and coughing episodes that gradually becomes more severe. Coughing episodes persist and become frequent even after cold symptoms subside and can last 1 month or longer. If you need information on the current recommendations for pertussis vaccination consult your health care provider.

People of any age can be infected by pertussis, but young children, especially infants, are at the greatest risk for severe pertussis disease and serious complications. Adolescents and adults typically experience a milder course of illness. Pertussis in adults often goes unrecognized and undiagnosed. Parents, caregivers, and adolescent brothers and sisters are the source of infection for the majority of infant cases.

The incidence of pertussis has been increasing nationwide. One factor in this trend is the increasing occurrence of pertussis disease in adults and adolescents. While pertussis is a vaccine preventable disease, the body’s protective immunity can decrease over time. Booster shots are recommended.

For more information see the GCHD website at www.gchd.us .

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