Whooping Cough Cases Increase In McHenry County

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has investigated and confirmed 8 cases of pertussis (or whooping cough) in the last 30 days at Cary Grove High School in Cary.  All of the students are receiving antibiotics.  MCDH reported 9 cases in 2010 and 51 cases in 2009.

Pertussis is a contagious bacterial infection that causes a range of illnesses, from mild cough to severe disease.  It is easily spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing.  Symptoms of pertussis may appear 5 to 10 days following exposure but can take up to 21 days. 

The first symptoms are similar to those of a common cold – runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever and a mild, occasional nonproductive cough.  The cough gradually becomes severe and, after 1 to 2 weeks, an individual will have bursts of numerous, rapid coughs with a distinctive “whooping” sound. 

While it can be mild in some persons, it poses a greater risk for infants who are not fully immunized (until 4-6 years old), immune compromised individuals, and older persons.  If you share a household with these persons, consider getting the vaccination. 

 If you or your child have symptoms or questions on whether the vaccine is needed, contact your physician.  Persons with pertussis should be excluded from school, work or other group settings until they receive appropriate evaluation and treatment.  Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable illness and easily treated with antibiotics which should also be taken by close contacts to prevent the spread of illness.

Vaccinated children and adults may still become infected with and transmit pertussis however disease is less likely to be severe.  Frequent hand washing, respiratory hygiene (i.e., covering the mouth, coughing into tissues, disposing of tissues properly) and staying home when ill are important practices to limit the spread of infection. 

Parents should be sure to keep children up to date with recommended pertussis vaccinations; an adolescent/adult pertussis booster vaccine (Tdap) should be given to those aged 11-18 before entering high school.  For more information on pertussis, visit www.mcdh.info or call MCDH’s Communicable Disease Division at 815-334-4500.