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Source: http://www.nptelegraph.com/articles/2008/11/21/news/60001471.txt
Whooping cough on the rise
By JOHN LINDENBERGER
Published: Friday, November 21, 2008 4:38 AM CST
The North Platte Telegraph
Officials at the West Central District Health Department reported Thursday that there are 11 confirmed cases of whooping cough in Lincoln County, and all involve school-aged children.
Also known as pertussis, whooping cough is on the rise throughout the nation. Local pediatrician Dell Shepherd said he has seen two cases of whooping cough recently, which are the first cases he has seen in 10 to 15 years.
"It is a very severe infection, particularly in at-risk people," Shepherd said.
He said those at greatest risk are the elderly and infants up to 6 months of age who have not yet been fully immunized. Adults who were last immunized as teenagers may also be susceptible, according to Shepherd.
In the past, adults were usually not immunized for whooping cough after their teenage years. However, Shepherd said doctors are finding that these immunizations just aren't maintaining good immunity for adults.
In 2005, a new vaccine was introduced that is approved for adults up to age 65. He said adolescents and adults are encouraged to get the new vaccination, particularly those who are around infants such as parents of newborn babies.
Shepherd said the recent increase in whooping cough is probably caused by complacency. He explained that as the number of cases for diseases like whooping cough decrease, people start to develop a false sense of security.
If you suspect you have whooping cough, seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatments for whooping cough include an antibiotic that will help to decrease the severity of symptoms.
However, Shepherd said treatment should be started in the first two to four weeks of infection in order to be effective. Whooping cough is highly contagious and is spread when infected people cough or sneeze.
Early symptoms of whooping cough include sinus congestion, runny nose, a slight sore throat and possible low-grade fever. In some cases whooping cough can progress into violent coughing spells that can become chronic.
Shepherd said whooping cough causes what are called "paroxysms" or bursts of coughing. He noted that people with whooping cough can actually pass out from coughing. They can also develop pneumonia
"In infants, it is particularly serious because it can really affect their ability to breath," Shepherd said.
Vaccinations for whooping cough are available from your primary care physician. Residents can also schedule a vaccination at the West Central Health Department by calling 308-696-1201, option 1.
Whooping cough on the rise
By JOHN LINDENBERGER
Published: Friday, November 21, 2008 4:38 AM CST
The North Platte Telegraph
Officials at the West Central District Health Department reported Thursday that there are 11 confirmed cases of whooping cough in Lincoln County, and all involve school-aged children.
Also known as pertussis, whooping cough is on the rise throughout the nation. Local pediatrician Dell Shepherd said he has seen two cases of whooping cough recently, which are the first cases he has seen in 10 to 15 years.
"It is a very severe infection, particularly in at-risk people," Shepherd said.
He said those at greatest risk are the elderly and infants up to 6 months of age who have not yet been fully immunized. Adults who were last immunized as teenagers may also be susceptible, according to Shepherd.
In the past, adults were usually not immunized for whooping cough after their teenage years. However, Shepherd said doctors are finding that these immunizations just aren't maintaining good immunity for adults.
In 2005, a new vaccine was introduced that is approved for adults up to age 65. He said adolescents and adults are encouraged to get the new vaccination, particularly those who are around infants such as parents of newborn babies.
Shepherd said the recent increase in whooping cough is probably caused by complacency. He explained that as the number of cases for diseases like whooping cough decrease, people start to develop a false sense of security.
If you suspect you have whooping cough, seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatments for whooping cough include an antibiotic that will help to decrease the severity of symptoms.
However, Shepherd said treatment should be started in the first two to four weeks of infection in order to be effective. Whooping cough is highly contagious and is spread when infected people cough or sneeze.
Early symptoms of whooping cough include sinus congestion, runny nose, a slight sore throat and possible low-grade fever. In some cases whooping cough can progress into violent coughing spells that can become chronic.
Shepherd said whooping cough causes what are called "paroxysms" or bursts of coughing. He noted that people with whooping cough can actually pass out from coughing. They can also develop pneumonia
"In infants, it is particularly serious because it can really affect their ability to breath," Shepherd said.
Vaccinations for whooping cough are available from your primary care physician. Residents can also schedule a vaccination at the West Central Health Department by calling 308-696-1201, option 1.