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Source: http://www.augustagazette.com/homepage/x2090474781/Whooping-cough-in-County
Whooping cough in County
By Michael McDermott
Augusta Gazette
Thu Aug 28, 2008, 11:16 AM CDT
Augusta, Kan. -
With seven confirmed cases, Butler County health officials and school officials are on alert as Whooping Cough appears to be making a comeback.
Butler County Health Department Administrator Carol Borger reported that 12 individuals are actually being treated for the serious bacterial infection. An early report also indicated that the 12 individuals are not Augusta residents.
Whooping cough is caused by bacteria called Bordetella pertussis, and is very contagious. Typically, it's spread by breathing in infected respiratory droplets from an infected person's coughs or sneezes. Symptoms may show up within three to 12 days of exposure.
? Runny nose
? Sneezing
? Nasal congestion
? Red, watery eyes
? Dry cough
? Mild fever
? General malaise and loss of appetite
The later symptoms become more severe, and in adults can resemble the symptoms of bronchitis:
Coughing attacks that end with a high-pitched whooping sound upon inhalation, and bring up thick phlegm
?Family members of those affected are also treated with antibiotics,? Borger advised. ?This is frustrating to health professionals as this is a preventable disease -- there is a vaccination.?
Borger did add that there have been no more additional cases since Saturday and that now is an opportune time to check children?s vaccination records and make sure they are up to date.
Whooping cough in County
By Michael McDermott
Augusta Gazette
Thu Aug 28, 2008, 11:16 AM CDT
Augusta, Kan. -
With seven confirmed cases, Butler County health officials and school officials are on alert as Whooping Cough appears to be making a comeback.
Butler County Health Department Administrator Carol Borger reported that 12 individuals are actually being treated for the serious bacterial infection. An early report also indicated that the 12 individuals are not Augusta residents.
Whooping cough is caused by bacteria called Bordetella pertussis, and is very contagious. Typically, it's spread by breathing in infected respiratory droplets from an infected person's coughs or sneezes. Symptoms may show up within three to 12 days of exposure.
? Runny nose
? Sneezing
? Nasal congestion
? Red, watery eyes
? Dry cough
? Mild fever
? General malaise and loss of appetite
The later symptoms become more severe, and in adults can resemble the symptoms of bronchitis:
Coughing attacks that end with a high-pitched whooping sound upon inhalation, and bring up thick phlegm
?Family members of those affected are also treated with antibiotics,? Borger advised. ?This is frustrating to health professionals as this is a preventable disease -- there is a vaccination.?
Borger did add that there have been no more additional cases since Saturday and that now is an opportune time to check children?s vaccination records and make sure they are up to date.