Pertussis case (whooping cough) reported in Winneshiek County

Posted: Wed, Jan 16, 2019 3:07 PM

A confirmed case of pertussis (whooping cough) has been identified in Winneshiek County. The Winneshiek County Public Health Department has been in contact with the person and has identified and alerted potential contacts. Treatment will be provided if warranted.

Pertussis is a bacterial disease that can cause severe spells of coughing spread through the air by an infected person's cough or sneeze. Spells can interfere with eating, drinking, and breathing; can lead to pneumonia, convulsions, or inflammation of the brain; and in rare cases can lead to death if contracted by infants at high risk or someone who is immune compromised.

Pertussis may start as cold symptoms of runny nose and irritating cough. One or two weeks later, the cough develops into violent coughing fits during which the victim struggles to breathe. Coughing usually happens during the night and may be followed by vomiting. The coughing may be followed by a a high-pitched whooping sound. After the coughing fit ends, people may appear to be well.

Someone infected with pertussis can spread the disease after they start coughing until 21 days after the cough stops. If treated with an appropriate antibiotic for five days, the patient cannot spread the disease.

The Winneshiek County Health Department recommends making sure you are up to date on your Pertussis vaccination part of the Tdap or Dtap. They also recommend covering your cough and washing your hands. Stay home if you are ill.

If you or someone you know are exhibiting these symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider for follow-up. You may also contact Winneshiek County Public Health at (563) 382-4662.