LIBERTY – The Sullivan County Public Health Department is urging county residents and visitors to be fully vaccinated against pertussis – whooping cough – as there has been an increase in the number of cases statewide. Sullivan County has begun to see an increase in cases this year with six confirmed new cases within the past few weeks, officials said. Those individuals and their close contacts are being treated.
In 2015, preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control show that there were 592 cases in New York State outside New York City, which had an additional 383 cases.
Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air
by cough. It begins with cold symptoms and cough, which becomes much worse
over one to two weeks. Symptoms usually include a long series of coughs
followed by a whooping noise. Older children, adults and very young infants
may not develop the whoop.
There is generally a slight fever. People with pertussis may have a series of coughs followed by vomiting, turning blue, or difficulty catching breath. The cough is often worse at night and cough medicines usually do not help alleviate the cough, health officials said.
Pertussis is generally treated with antibiotics, to control the symptoms and prevent infected people from the spread of the disease.
People who have or may have pertussis should stay away from young children and infants until properly treated, health officials advise.
To help keep pertussis from spreading, it is suggested that you wash your hands with soap and water frequently; cover your coughs and sneezes; do not share cups or silverware; and stay away from others until evaluated by a doctor.
