Confirmed pertussis cases in Sullivan County
2012
4
2013
1
2014
1
2015
1
Jan-Oct 2016
32
Dec. 2016-Jan. 30, 2017
7
LIBERTY – Sullivan County Public Health Services has issued a public health advisory to notify residents that seven cases of whooping cough (pertussis) have been confirmed among residents in the county from December 2016 through the end of this month.
Last summer and fall, the county health department investigated 32 confirmed pertussis cases through the end of October.
Whooping cough 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 only a slight fever. Coughing may be followed by vomiting, turning blue, or difficulty in catching breath.
The cough is often worse at night and cough medicines usually do not help alleviate the cough.
If a member of the family has been diagnoses with pertussis, the antibiotic regiment must be completed before returning to work, school or community functions to reduce the spread of the disease to others.
Influenza activity is also up throughout and is expected to continue during the coming weeks, the health department said.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends an annual flu vaccination for everyone over six months of age. It is not too late to get vaccinated for this year but the vaccine needs about two weeks to take hold.
Health officials say washing hands with soap and water frequently will help keep pertussis and the flu from spreading. Cover when your coughs and sneezes, do not share cups or silverware and stay away from others until evaluated by a doctor.
