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Posted by: thepinetree on 07/22/2010 09:41 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 07/22/2010 09:41 AM
Expires: 01/01/2015 12:00 AM
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Pertussis [Whooping Cough] Reaches Epidemic Levels in California
Calaveras County – Pertussis, a disease of the lungs and throat caused by bacteria, has reached epidemic levels in California. Almost 1500 cases have been reported to date in California, a 5 fold increase from last year. The cases include 6 infant deaths, all less than 2 months of age. Three cases have been reported in Calaveras County at this time. In 2009, Calaveras had the highest pertussis case rate in the state...
Pertussis starts like a cold with a cough that gets worse. The cough usually lasts over two weeks. The cough occurs in spasms that may cause a “whoop” sound when the person tries to catch their breath. The cough can be so severe that a person will vomit afterwards. Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics. If a person has these symptoms they should contact their doctor or clinic. Local doctors have received information to alert them to test and treat possible cases.
Pertussis is very serious for infants in the first 3 months of life. It can result in hospitalization and death. There is a vaccine to prevent pertussis but it cannot be given to infants under six weeks. Infants are most often exposed through the mother or another household member. Even if the mother or household member received vaccine as a child, the immunity or protection from the vaccine wears off. Youth frequently need a booster and can easily spread the disease. While the disease is usually not as severe in adults, adults can spread the disease to others who are not protected.
“The Calaveras County Public Health Department recommends that adults and youth get the vaccine, Tdap, against pertussis” stated Dean Kelaita, MD, Health Officer. Most adults and many youth have not received the booster dose of Tdap vaccine.
Infants who are too young to receive the vaccine can be protected by getting vaccine to parents, household members, grandparents and caregivers. This creates a cocoon of protection for the baby. “It is important that adults and youth who have close contact with infants get the Tdap vaccine”, Dr. Kelaita urged.
Usually Tdap is not given to persons over 65 years. This week, the state issued a recommendation that vaccine be given to seniors and other age groups because of the pertussis epidemic in California. Pregnant women and women who recently had a baby should also get vaccine protection now.
The Public Health Department provides Tdap vaccine for youth and adults at low or no cost through the Public Health Immunization Clinics. The clinics are held monthly in West Point, Arnold and Valley Springs and weekly at the Public Health Main Office in San Andreas.
For questions on whether you or a family member need vaccine contact the Public Health Department at 754.6460. Visit the Public Health website at www.calaveraspublichealth.com for more pertussis and clinic information.
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