Whooping Cough on the Rise in Gwinnett, Metro Atlanta

Pertussis, commonly known as the whooping cough, is making the rounds in metro Atlanta.  As of July 28, 95 cases have been reported; this time last year, that number was 51, according to a press release issued Aug. 1 by the Georgia Department of Health.   

“Though we have not seen a substantial increase in the number of whooping cough cases statewide, the increase in whooping cough cases in highly-populated metroAtlanta is of concern,” said state epidemiologist Cherie Drenzek, D.V.M. in a recent statement to the Georgia Department of Health.  

National trends are similar, and the U.S. seems to be headed for its highest number of cases in over 50 years. Nearly 18,000 cases have been reported so far this year nationally compared to half that this time last year.

Karen Shields, public information officer with the Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County District Office said the regions is trending similar to state and national cases.

"As school starts back up and we enter the fall/winter cold and flu season, it is important to ensure that all Georgia residents are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases," Shields said in a press release. The best way to do this is through vaccinations. For 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."

Shields said because babies normally receive their final pertussis vaccination between 15 – 18 months, it is also important that those around them are vaccinated. Pregnant women and those who will be around infants are encouraged to receive a pertussis booster, including parents, siblings, grandparents, healthcare providers and child care providers.

“This disease can be very serious for young babies, who often get whooping cough from adults and other family members. Most infected infants must be hospitalized,” said J. Patrick O’Neal, M.D., director of health protection.

Shield gave the following symptoms and treatments:

• 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 you are sick, washing your hands, and covering your cough go a long way in prevention of pertussis and other contiguous diseases.