Cases of Whooping Cough Up Locally

As school starts back up and the fall/winter cold and flu season nears,  Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Departments are reminding citizens to make sure they’re protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, especially since cases of pertussin/whooping have increased locally. 

Reported cases of pertussis/whooping cough in the Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health district are trending similar to both state and national cases, according to a press release.

Here’s what GNR Health recommends:

• To prevent whooping cough (pertussis), infants and children should be up to date on their DTaP vaccines. Pre-teens, teens, and adults should receive a booster dose of Tdap for protection.
• Because babies normally receive their final pertussis vaccination between 15 to18 months, it is particularly important that those around them are vaccinated. GNR Health encourages pregnant women and those who will be around infants to receive a pertussis booster. This includes parents, siblings, grandparents, healthcare providers, and child care providers.
• Often, early symptoms of pertussis are mild and mimic the common cold -- runny nose, low or no fever, sneezing and mild cough. After 1-2 weeks, symptoms worsen including bad coughing attacks that may lead to a “whoop” sound, vomiting, problems breathing, difficulty sleeping, and extreme tiredness. Illness may last for weeks to months without appropriate medical treatment. Pertussis is most contagious during the first few weeks when symptoms are generally milder.
• If you or a family member has these symptoms, contact your doctor and ask them if you may have pertussis. Your medical provider can test you for the infection and may prescribe an antibiotic that can keep you from becoming sicker and spreading the disease to others.
• In addition, simple measures including staying home when sick, washing your hands, and covering your coughs go a long way in prevention of pertussis and other contagious diseases.