Cameron County Public Health has seen an increase in pertussis cases this time of year compared to last year. For the month of August 2024, there was an increase in cases with 11 cases from the previous year of 6 cases in 2023. The number of cases correlates with back-to-school for Cameron County students.
Known as “whooping cough”, pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory tract. It can cause serious illness in people of all ages, but it is most dangerous for babies. Pertussis symptoms appear 5 to 10 days, sometimes as long as 3 weeks, after exposure to the bacteria. The illness appears similar to a common cold the first few days, with a runny nose, low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F), cough, and red, watery eyes. After a week or two, the symptoms begin to worsen. Coughing fits that provoke vomiting may develop, resulting in a red or blue face, cause extreme fatigue, or end with a high-pitched “whoop” sound during the next breath of air. This usually lasts from 1 to 6 weeks and in some cases up to 10 weeks. Recovery can be slow with the cough becoming milder and less common over time, which usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks.
The best way to prevent becoming ill with pertussis or to have a less severe illness is through vaccination. Ensuring that children receive their vaccines and stay up to date as they get older is essential. Deaths associated with whooping cough are rare but most commonly occur in infants. That’s why it’s so important for pregnant women — and other people who will have close contact with an infant — to be vaccinated against whooping cough. Before the pertussis vaccine was developed, whooping cough was considered a childhood disease. Now whooping cough primarily affects children too young to have completed the full course of vaccinations and teenagers and adults whose immunity has faded.
Before the pertussis vaccine was developed, whooping cough was considered a childhood disease. Now whooping cough primarily affects children too young to have completed the full course of vaccinations and teenagers and adults whose immunity has faded. If you or someone you know needs to receive the pertussis vaccine, do not hesitate to contact Cameron County Public Health at (956) 247-3650 and ask for our Immunization Program.
