There has been an increase of pertussis (whooping cough) cases across the state in both
unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals. In the last month, Monroe County has had three
confirmed cases of pertussis, two of which were in school aged children. Because of the
increased cases we are seeing, we do want to call this to your attention and alert you to the
signs and symptoms of pertussis.
Pertussis is easily spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. Typically, signs of
pertussis occur within 7-20 days after being exposed. Pertussis begins with cold like symptoms
and a cough which becomes much worse over 1-2 weeks. The pertussis cough can be severe
and last for weeks or months, sometimes leading to coughing fits (paroxysms) or vomiting.
Between spells, the person may appear to be well and usually there is no fever. Anyone can get
pertussis, but it can be very dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems.
Family members with pertussis, especially mothers, can spread pertussis to newborns.
Recommendations:
- If you or your child has a cough and/or other symptoms of pertussis:
Make an appointment with your family doctor as soon as possible for testing of
pertussis. You or your child may have to stay home from school and avoid activities
such as sports or play groups. - If you or your child has been told by a doctor that he or she has a weakened immune
system, please contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible regarding antibiotic
treatment. - If you or your child lives with a pregnant woman, an infant under the age of one year, or
anyone with a weakened immune system, ask your family doctor regarding the need for
antibiotic treatment. - If you or your child has been diagnosed with pertussis by a doctor:
Notify necessary organizations (i.e. school, work, church, etc) that you or your child
has been diagnosed with pertussis.
Unless you or your child has been coughing for 21 days or more, you should keep
yourself or your child home from school and activities (such as sports, play groups,
work) until you or your child has been on an appropriate antibiotic for five days to
treat pertussis.
Ask your family doctor for a note that states you or your child has pertussis.
The health department will be contacting you for additional information.
It is encouraged and recommended to have all family members up-to-date on pertussis
vaccinations and to ensure the entire series of pertussis vaccinations is completed for best
protection against this illness. For children under the age of seven, five doses of the DTaP
vaccine is recommended; for adolescents, a single dose of Tdap is recommended at age 11-12
years; for adults, a booster dose of Tdap is recommended every 10 years. To view your
vaccination records and to check if you are up-to-date on pertussis vaccinations, check out the
Wisconsin Immunization Registry at dhfswir.org.
If you have questions, please call the Monroe County Health Department at (608) 269-8666.
Follow the Monroe County Health Department Facebook and Instagram pages for more.
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