First Pertussis [Whooping Cough] Cases in Calaveras
Calaveras County – As of March 2014 there were 495 confirmed
pertussis cases in California. Calaveras
Public Health Services has received notification of two confirmed pertussis
cases in the County. Both cases are
school-aged residents.
Pertussis is a disease of the lungs and throat caused by
bacteria. Pertussis starts like a cold
with a runny nose and cough that gets worse. The cough usually lasts more than
two weeks. The cough occurs in spasms that may cause a “whoop” sound when the
person tries to catch their breath. It
can be so severe that a person will vomit afterwards. Pertussis can be
prevented with a vaccine.
The disease is usually not as severe in adults. Pertussis is very serious for infants in the
first 3 months of life. The early
symptoms can worsen rapidly and require immediate medical care that can result
in hospitalization and death. The
vaccine to prevent pertussis cannot be given to infants under six weeks. Infants are most often exposed through the
mother or another household member.
Infants who are too young to receive the vaccine can be
protected by vaccinating parents, household members, grandparents and
caregivers. “It is important that adults
and youth who have close contact with infants get the Tdap vaccine,” urged Dr.
Dean Kelaita, Calaveras County Health Officer.
Even if adults and youth have received the vaccine or had
the disease, immunity wears off. Youth and adults need a booster. They can easily spread the disease to others
who are not protected. Pregnant women need a pertussis booster with every
pregnancy. This should be done between
the 27th and 36th weeks.
This allows the transfer of the mother’s antibodies to the infant.
Many adults and youth have not received the booster dose of
Tdap vaccine. “Calaveras Public Health Services recommends that adults and
youth get the vaccine, Tdap, against pertussis,” stated Dean Kelaita.
Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics. If a person has pertussis symptoms they
should contact their doctor or clinic.
Treating pertussis can help stop the spread to others. Local medical
providers have received information to alert
them to test and treat possible cases.
Pertussis vaccine is available at Calaveras Public Health
Services, 700 Mountain Ranch Road, Suite C-2, San Andreas every Monday
afternoon from 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and every Thursday morning from 8:00
a.m. until noon. No appointment is
necessary. Vaccine is $16 per person. No
one will be denied due to inability to pay. For
questions on whether you or a family member need vaccine contact Public Health
at 754.6460. Visit the Public Health website at www.calaveraspublichealth.com
for more pertussis and clinic information.
