Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date:           Immediate Release           End Date:  February 27, 2009

Contact Person:        Fatema Mamou, MPH

                                  Epidemiologist

                                  Genesee County Health Department

Phone:                         (810) 768-7971 or (810) 691-5118

RE:                              Genesee County sees an increase in Pertussis Cases

Genesee County is experiencing an increase in cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. Similar to the current pertussis trends in Michigan, the increase in cases in Genesee County has occurred during the latter half of 2008 and has continued into 2009. The majority of these cases are among infants too young to be fully immunized against pertussis.

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. It is critical that adults and adolescents ensure that they are properly vaccinated against pertussis.

The GCHD is reminding health care providers that pertussis is in the community and to consider it in their differential diagnoses. Health care providers should also ensure that their patients are fully vaccinated, especially adults and adolescents. Anyone who has symptoms that he or she thinks might be pertussis should consult a health care provider.

Vaccination against pertussis is the best way to control and prevent the disease. Pertussis vaccine is administered in combination with diphtheria and tetanus vaccine (DTaP) in a five-dose primary series and protects children against whooping cough. The booster dose of the vaccine that protects against pertussis (Tdap) is available for adolescents and adults aged 11-64.

Pertussis is a contagious respiratory disease. Symptoms begin like a cold and include fever, runny nose and coughing episodes that gradually become more severe. Coughing episodes persist and become frequent even after cold symptoms subside and can last 1 month or longer. Those diagnosed with pertussis should be treated with an appropriate antibiotic. Only a health care provider can diagnose and treat pertussis.

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

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