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Source: http://www.statesman.com/news/local/...ry-170338.html
Health officials warn about whooping cough in very young
2009 outbreak in Travis, Williamson counties worst in decades.
By Mary Ann Roser
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Updated: 8:46 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, 2010
Published: 8:26 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, 2010
The worst outbreak of whooping cough in years is continuing in Travis County, with the youngest children being hit especially hard, health officials said Friday.
Williamson County also is having a severe outbreak of the illness, possibly the worst in the state, but little has changed in its spread in recent months, said David Bastis, epidemiologist for the Williamson County and Cities Health District.
The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department issued a news release Friday saying its staff was worried about increased reports of whooping cough, or pertussis, in younger children, from 2 weeks to 4 years old, a group more vulnerable to serious complications and death from the illness.
"We're a little concerned we're seeing it in the higher-risk age groups," said Dr. Philip Huang, medical director of the health department.
There have been no deaths since the outbreak began last year, said Carole Barasch, a spokeswoman for the health department. She estimated that "not more than 10" people have been hospitalized.
Whooping cough usually is mild in older children and adults but can be severe in younger children, especially infants who have not been vaccinated. Vaccinations don't start until 2 months of age. The illness can cause breathing problems, pneumonia and swelling of the brain. It begins like a cold, with a mild fever and cough, but it can worsen in a week or two into strong coughing fits that lead to vomiting. In young children, coughing fits are often followed by a whooping sound as they try to draw in a breath.
In 2005, the state's worst year for pertussis since the 1960s, Travis County had 510 confirmed and probable cases, Huang said. In 2009, the health department tallied 582 confirmed and probable cases, with 168 of those coming in during the last three months of the year.
In November, Huang said his agency was investigating 1,143 cases, but nearly half were not confirmed by laboratory testing. Williamson County has so far counted 849 confirmed and probable cases for 2009, Bastis said.
Some of those who fell ill are adults and adolescents who were vaccinated against pertussis but caught it because immunity wanes after about five or 10 years, health officials said.
In Travis County, the health department makes pertussis vaccines and booster shots for adults available through its clinics. For an appointment, call 975-5520.
maroser@statesman.com; 445-3619
Health officials warn about whooping cough in very young
2009 outbreak in Travis, Williamson counties worst in decades.
By Mary Ann Roser
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Updated: 8:46 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, 2010
Published: 8:26 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, 2010
The worst outbreak of whooping cough in years is continuing in Travis County, with the youngest children being hit especially hard, health officials said Friday.
Williamson County also is having a severe outbreak of the illness, possibly the worst in the state, but little has changed in its spread in recent months, said David Bastis, epidemiologist for the Williamson County and Cities Health District.
The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department issued a news release Friday saying its staff was worried about increased reports of whooping cough, or pertussis, in younger children, from 2 weeks to 4 years old, a group more vulnerable to serious complications and death from the illness.
"We're a little concerned we're seeing it in the higher-risk age groups," said Dr. Philip Huang, medical director of the health department.
There have been no deaths since the outbreak began last year, said Carole Barasch, a spokeswoman for the health department. She estimated that "not more than 10" people have been hospitalized.
Whooping cough usually is mild in older children and adults but can be severe in younger children, especially infants who have not been vaccinated. Vaccinations don't start until 2 months of age. The illness can cause breathing problems, pneumonia and swelling of the brain. It begins like a cold, with a mild fever and cough, but it can worsen in a week or two into strong coughing fits that lead to vomiting. In young children, coughing fits are often followed by a whooping sound as they try to draw in a breath.
In 2005, the state's worst year for pertussis since the 1960s, Travis County had 510 confirmed and probable cases, Huang said. In 2009, the health department tallied 582 confirmed and probable cases, with 168 of those coming in during the last three months of the year.
In November, Huang said his agency was investigating 1,143 cases, but nearly half were not confirmed by laboratory testing. Williamson County has so far counted 849 confirmed and probable cases for 2009, Bastis said.
Some of those who fell ill are adults and adolescents who were vaccinated against pertussis but caught it because immunity wanes after about five or 10 years, health officials said.
In Travis County, the health department makes pertussis vaccines and booster shots for adults available through its clinics. For an appointment, call 975-5520.
maroser@statesman.com; 445-3619
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