6/12/2009

A case of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) has been confirmed in Dickinson County with several family members also exhibiting symptoms.  Dickinson County Health Department is following the guidance provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) in conducting disease investigation and management of all case contacts.  As such, family and close contacts have been encouraged to seek medical consult from their primary care physician.  

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is a very contagious disease caused by bacteria and can last up to 6 weeks.  A person will become less contagious as the disease progresses and antibiotics will also shorten the contagious period of the illness.  The disease is usually mild in older children and adults but can cause serious problems in very young children (less than one year of age).  

The symptoms of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) often begin like a cold - nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, minimal or no fever, mild sore-throat, mild dry cough which can last 1-2 weeks with the cough gradually becoming worse.  This can lead to uncontrolled coughing spells followed by a whooping noise when a person breathes in.  During these spells of severe coughing, a person may vomit, or their lips or face may look blue from a lack of oxygen.  Between coughing spells, a person may appear well.  Adults, teens and vaccinated children often have milder symptoms that mimic bronchitis or asthma.  

Pertussis is a vaccine preventable disease.  Pertussis vaccine is given at 2, 4, 6 and 15 months of age and again when a child enters school.  As immunity wanes 5-10 years from the last Pertussis vaccine dose, a booster dose is recommended for adolescents 11 to 18 years of age and into adulthood.  It is highly recommended for women following giving birth to a newborn and before they are discharged from a hospital or birthing center.  

Dickinson County Health Department is participating in “Project Tdap” - a state wide initiative to vaccinate against Pertussis those students 11 years of age with birthdates from 09/01/1997 to 08/31/1998 for an administrative fee of $15.  The Health Department also has the Tdap vaccine available for those who require a booster dose at a cost of $74.  These fees can be submitted to the following insurance carriers for payment:  Blue Cross Blue Shield, Children’s Mercy, Coventry of Kansas, Coventry National, First Health, Preferred Health, Humana, Unicare, Medicaid, and Starmark First Health.  Please call 785-263-4179 for information or to make an appointment.