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Source: http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2009/06/20/news/50whoop.txt
Infant diagnosed with whooping cough (Boseman area)
published on Friday, June 19, 2009 10:14 PM MDT
By JESSICA MAYRER Chronicle Staff Writer
A 4-month-old Three Forks infant is recovering after being diagnosed with pertussis, also known as ?whooping cough.?
This the first reported whooping cough case in the area this year, said Shanda Smith, Gallatin County?s communicable disease program manager. The diagnosis was made June 1, but was not made public until Friday.
The disease is treatable with antibiotics. And the child?s close contacts are receiving preventative care, according to health officials.
Gallatin County has tested 70 people who could have been exposed and, so far, they?ve all tested negative for pertussis, Smith said.
Whooping cough is easily spread from person to person through coughs and sneezes. It usually begins as a mild upper-respiratory infection within five to 21 days of exposure with cold-like symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, runny nose, low fever and mild cough.
It?s usually milder in older children or adults.
?A lot of times, especially with adults, it?s a cough that just won?t go away,? Smith said.
Within two weeks, though, the cough becomes more severe with episodes of rapid coughing, which can be followed by a crowing or a high-pitched whoop and/or vomiting.
Those not fully vaccinated against pertussis, such as the very young, are at highest risk for severe illness or complications, including brain damage, pneumonia and death, according to the Gallatin City County Health Department. Vaccinations are generally administered at two-month intervals until 6 months of age, again at 17 months and at 5 years old.
?That?s the population we worry about, is the little ones,? Smith said.
The effects of childhood immunization, however, can wear off by adulthood, Smith said. A booster shot, called Tdap, which also protects against tetanus, is available for adults.
Gallatin County had one reported case of whooping cough last year in the fall, Smith said.
People should use common-sense precautions such as hand-washing, covering their mouths when coughing and staying home if they feel ill, Smith said.
Jessica Mayrer can be reached at jmayrer@dailychronicle.com or 582-2635.
Infant diagnosed with whooping cough (Boseman area)
published on Friday, June 19, 2009 10:14 PM MDT
By JESSICA MAYRER Chronicle Staff Writer
A 4-month-old Three Forks infant is recovering after being diagnosed with pertussis, also known as ?whooping cough.?
This the first reported whooping cough case in the area this year, said Shanda Smith, Gallatin County?s communicable disease program manager. The diagnosis was made June 1, but was not made public until Friday.
The disease is treatable with antibiotics. And the child?s close contacts are receiving preventative care, according to health officials.
Gallatin County has tested 70 people who could have been exposed and, so far, they?ve all tested negative for pertussis, Smith said.
Whooping cough is easily spread from person to person through coughs and sneezes. It usually begins as a mild upper-respiratory infection within five to 21 days of exposure with cold-like symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, runny nose, low fever and mild cough.
It?s usually milder in older children or adults.
?A lot of times, especially with adults, it?s a cough that just won?t go away,? Smith said.
Within two weeks, though, the cough becomes more severe with episodes of rapid coughing, which can be followed by a crowing or a high-pitched whoop and/or vomiting.
Those not fully vaccinated against pertussis, such as the very young, are at highest risk for severe illness or complications, including brain damage, pneumonia and death, according to the Gallatin City County Health Department. Vaccinations are generally administered at two-month intervals until 6 months of age, again at 17 months and at 5 years old.
?That?s the population we worry about, is the little ones,? Smith said.
The effects of childhood immunization, however, can wear off by adulthood, Smith said. A booster shot, called Tdap, which also protects against tetanus, is available for adults.
Gallatin County had one reported case of whooping cough last year in the fall, Smith said.
People should use common-sense precautions such as hand-washing, covering their mouths when coughing and staying home if they feel ill, Smith said.
Jessica Mayrer can be reached at jmayrer@dailychronicle.com or 582-2635.