A pediatrician in Georgia is preparing to administer a pertussis vaccine to an infant, as reported by the Associated Press. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of confirmed pertussis cases, commonly known as whooping cough, has reached 17,579 nationwide since the start of the fall season up to October 5. This figure is significantly higher than the 3,962 cases reported during the same period last year, marking an increase of nearly 4.4 times.
Dr. Darien Sutton, a medical correspondent for ABC News, describes whooping cough as “a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract.” The bacteria spread through coughing and sneezing, affecting the body’s cilia and causing swelling in the airways.
The CDC identifies infants under one year old, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those undergoing treatment for severe asthma as being at “the highest risk” for whooping cough. Once infected, these groups often face serious complications.
What symptoms should parents look for? Dr. Sutton explains that whooping cough typically starts with mild cold-like symptoms, including low-grade fever, runny nose, and a slight cough lasting one to two weeks. This initial phase gives way to a more alarming second stage, characterized by severe coughing fits that can lead to difficulty breathing. Many patients experience intense paroxysms of dry coughing, followed by a high-pitched inhalation sound, which gives whooping cough its name.
However, symptoms can differ in infants under one year old. Dr. Sutton notes, “They may not cough at all, or they could have periods of apneas where they stop breathing completely. This is especially important to monitor.”
Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics for patients diagnosed with whooping cough, emphasizing that earlier treatment leads to better outcomes. Dr. Sutton adds that if a patient presents to the emergency room with severe symptoms, the physician will first inquire about their vaccination history and potential exposure to the infection. Blood tests and chest X-rays can help determine if there’s an infection from other respiratory pathogens, followed by a swab test to confirm the diagnosis.
For prevention, the CDC strongly advises vaccinations for individuals of all ages. Dr. Sutton highlights that the whooping cough vaccine is part of the DTaP immunization schedule, starting at two months for newborns, with boosters required in kindergarten and again in fifth or sixth grade. These vaccinations protect not only the individual but also reduce the risk of transmitting whooping cough to young children, who are vulnerable to serious complications.
Adults are recommended to receive a booster shot every ten years. Dr. Sutton emphasizes to pregnant women that it’s crucial to get the vaccine during the third trimester of their pregnancy. “This is essential to protect both themselves and their most vulnerable newborns,” he concludes.
The CDC’s report indicates a pressing need for awareness and preventive measures, especially given the spike in cases this year.
