News

Whooping cough cases continue to climb

By Bill Moss, Published: January 22, 2018

The number of cases of highly infectious whooping cough (pertussis) continues to grow. The Henderson County Health Department reported on Monday that the total is up to 89. Pertussis is a serious respiratory infection caused by the pertussis bacteria that affects the lungs and breathing tubes. The health department and school officials have identified approximately 1,000 close contacts to students in school who have come down with the infection.

The increasing number of cases of highly infectious whooping cough and the flu season has prompted area hospitals to impose visitation restrictions.

Whooping cough spreads when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes. It is spread by close contact (within 3 feet), so it is easily spread in classrooms, school buses, and among family members.

The best protection is immunization. The T-Dap Vaccination reduces the risk for contracting whooping cough, and if you get the illness, can decrease the severity. It does require booster doses to maintain effectiveness.

To learn more about whooping cough and its risks, visit www.hendersoncountync.org/health/