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Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10488207
Whooping cough possibly in Mesa County
Posted: June 5, 2009 08:49 PM
Updated: June 5, 2009 10:31 PM
BY: DON COLEMAN
DCOLEMAN@KJCT8.COM
It's called the Whooping Cough, or Pertussis. It's caused when bacterium creates an infection in the upper respiratory system. Symptoms are comparable to the common flu, but after a cough a loud "whoop" sound is heard as the person tries to breath in.
The big thing that separates it from the common cold is the fact that it lasts a long time. "The Chinese call it 'The 100 Day Cough.' It's a prolonged illness, as opposed to the viral illnesses that are much shorter," said Community Hospital Medical Director Don Nicolay.
Nicolay said the disease is also very contagious, but rarely fatal. He said it happens mostly in infants and adolescents, but can happen in adults. "It can happen in adolescence. In fact, that's where a current spike is happening."
A medical study published this year shows Whooping Cough lingered for many years after a vaccine was released in the 1940's, but the disease has increased it's numbers lately. In 2007, 10,454 people were infected, with 10 children dying from the disease.
KJCT received a report that the Whooping Cough could be present in Mesa County. A viewer called in and shared her story. She, who would like to remain anonymous, said, "Our physician diagnosed my son with a strain of the Whooping Cough."
Whooping Cough diagnoses are required to be reported to the Mesa County Health Department within 24 hours. Officials from the Mesa County Health Department do not have a record of the disease in the county, so far this year.
There are, however, less severe strains of the disease that do not have to be reported. It is more likely that the viewer's son was diagnosed with a less severe strain, because the most severe strain hasn't been reported at this time.
Nationwide, there's a trend that shows more and more children each year are not being vaccinated against the disease. Doctors say this is potentially dangerous because of the data showing an increase in Whooping Cough cases in the United States.
Doctors says that traditionally, the disease surfaces in Fall. But the possible case in Mesa County was echoed today when 7 cases were reported in Bell County, TX.
Nicolay said there's only one way to make sure you don't contract the disease. "I think parents should vaccinate their children at a young age. It's also good idea to have a booster vaccination when you're an adolescent, so you can upgrade your immunity."
Vaccinations, however, are a very controversial subject. Some people listen to their doctor's advice and get the immunizations. Others think the vaccines could lead to something far more severe.
"For those [parents] that don't vaccinate their children, I think it's very scary," said concerned parent Melissa Anderson.
Parent Alyssa Tyler had a different take. "I think it should be the parents' choice," she said.
Another statistic published in the recent medical study suggests that children who are not vaccinated are 23 times more likely to contract the disease.
Despite doctors in Mesa County saying that's a tough statistic to argue with, Nicolay said he doesn't see a problem in the county. "People in Grand Junction are pretty good about getting their kids vaccinated. That, most certainly, could prevent an outbreak [of Whooping Cough]."
Whooping cough possibly in Mesa County
Posted: June 5, 2009 08:49 PM
Updated: June 5, 2009 10:31 PM
BY: DON COLEMAN
DCOLEMAN@KJCT8.COM
It's called the Whooping Cough, or Pertussis. It's caused when bacterium creates an infection in the upper respiratory system. Symptoms are comparable to the common flu, but after a cough a loud "whoop" sound is heard as the person tries to breath in.
The big thing that separates it from the common cold is the fact that it lasts a long time. "The Chinese call it 'The 100 Day Cough.' It's a prolonged illness, as opposed to the viral illnesses that are much shorter," said Community Hospital Medical Director Don Nicolay.
Nicolay said the disease is also very contagious, but rarely fatal. He said it happens mostly in infants and adolescents, but can happen in adults. "It can happen in adolescence. In fact, that's where a current spike is happening."
A medical study published this year shows Whooping Cough lingered for many years after a vaccine was released in the 1940's, but the disease has increased it's numbers lately. In 2007, 10,454 people were infected, with 10 children dying from the disease.
KJCT received a report that the Whooping Cough could be present in Mesa County. A viewer called in and shared her story. She, who would like to remain anonymous, said, "Our physician diagnosed my son with a strain of the Whooping Cough."
Whooping Cough diagnoses are required to be reported to the Mesa County Health Department within 24 hours. Officials from the Mesa County Health Department do not have a record of the disease in the county, so far this year.
There are, however, less severe strains of the disease that do not have to be reported. It is more likely that the viewer's son was diagnosed with a less severe strain, because the most severe strain hasn't been reported at this time.
Nationwide, there's a trend that shows more and more children each year are not being vaccinated against the disease. Doctors say this is potentially dangerous because of the data showing an increase in Whooping Cough cases in the United States.
Doctors says that traditionally, the disease surfaces in Fall. But the possible case in Mesa County was echoed today when 7 cases were reported in Bell County, TX.
Nicolay said there's only one way to make sure you don't contract the disease. "I think parents should vaccinate their children at a young age. It's also good idea to have a booster vaccination when you're an adolescent, so you can upgrade your immunity."
Vaccinations, however, are a very controversial subject. Some people listen to their doctor's advice and get the immunizations. Others think the vaccines could lead to something far more severe.
"For those [parents] that don't vaccinate their children, I think it's very scary," said concerned parent Melissa Anderson.
Parent Alyssa Tyler had a different take. "I think it should be the parents' choice," she said.
Another statistic published in the recent medical study suggests that children who are not vaccinated are 23 times more likely to contract the disease.
Despite doctors in Mesa County saying that's a tough statistic to argue with, Nicolay said he doesn't see a problem in the county. "People in Grand Junction are pretty good about getting their kids vaccinated. That, most certainly, could prevent an outbreak [of Whooping Cough]."