Youth whooping cough cases increase

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - Williamson County and Cities Health District reports an increase in whooping cough cases or pertussis across the county.

So far in 2009, 40 cases have been reported, including five children who were hospitalized with the illness. At this time in 2008, there were only 18 cases with only four children hospitalized throughout the year.

"It's highly contagious," said Jennifer Jackson, Williamson County director of nurses. "It's from coughing and sneezing. They're coughing in fits, where they have difficulty catching their breath, and that's where you get that whooping sound where they're trying to catch their breath."

Cedar Park has seen the most with 14 cases so far this year. Round Rock has reported 12 cases. Leander and Austin within Williamson County lines have both had four cases.

James Cross just heard about the whooping cough outbreak. He is going to do all he can to make sure his 8-year-old daughter Tiara is safe.

"Yeah, it is surprising," said Cross. "It does bring concern to see our pediatrician and see if she needs another shot or something."

Brother and sister Abi and Miguel Arreola said the whooping cough is a hot topic at their school. Teachers sent a note out with students, warning them about the illness.

"Sort of nervous," said Miguel.

Abi said many of her friends are talking about it in school.

"Many people cough, and you don't know if they have it," said Abi. "When they get close to you, you're like 'Oh my god.'"

Health officials said the best way to protect you and your children against whooping cough is to get vaccinated.

To help limit the spread of pertussis in the community, WCCHD recommends:

• Being aware of the signs and symptoms of pertussis. Pertussis begins like a cold, with a runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, and cough that slowly gets worse. After one to two weeks, the cough gets worse and usually starts to occur in strong "coughing fits." In young children, coughing fits are often followed by a whooping sound as they try to catch their breath. The cough is often worse at night, and cough medicines usually do not help reduce the cough. After coughing, a person may have difficulty catching their breath, vomit, or become blue in the face from lack of air. Between coughing spells, the person often appears to be well. Some babies may only have apnea (failure to breathe) and can die from this
• Seeing your doctor immediately if you suspect that you or a family member has pertussis;
• Protecting newborn babies from coughing children and adults. Newborn babies are too young to be vaccinated;
• Starting childhood vaccinations on time and staying on schedule using a vaccine called DTaP, which contains diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccines;
• Boosting immunity to pertussis using a vaccine for adolescents and adults called TDAP, which contains pertussis vaccine as well as tetanus and diphtheria vaccines. Boosting immunity in adolescents and adults is important because babies often get pertussis from older children and adults. Babies are more likely to experience serious complications caused by pertussis, including death.

If you or a family member are diagnosed with pertussis, it is vital that you follow all public health instructions. These instructions will include:

• Persons diagnosed with pertussis should refrain from contact outside the home for the first five days of treatment with antibiotics. Children must not return to school or daycare until after they have completed five days of antimicrobial treatment.
• Persons diagnosed with pertussis and individuals identified as a contact to a pertussis case should take all medication as directed. Finish taking your medication even if you feel well. If you experience side effects from taking the medication talk to your doctor immediately about trying a different medication.

Vaccines are available at WCCHD clinics for those with no health insurance or who are underinsured for no more than $20 depending on income.

For more information on pertussis and vaccines visit the WCCHD or CDC Web sites. To learn more about WCCHD immunization clinic hours or other available programs visit your public health department.

Below is a chart of whooping cough cases in 2009: