HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department is advising that it is investigating more than 70 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) here in Reno County.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported 41 confirmed or probable cases in the county since July 18.
The disease is highly contagious and resides in the mucus of the nose and throat of an infected person. Sneezing or coughing sprays droplets in the air, which can enter others noses and throats when they breathe. After a week or two, pertussis causes violent and rapid coughing, sometimes resulting in a “whooping” sound when a lack of air in the lungs causes a person to inhale while coughing.
Pertussis often causes serious problems and can be fatal in infants less than one year of age. Symptoms in adults and older children can be less severe. The symptoms generally appear 7–21 days after exposure.
Those who are vaccinated can have milder symptoms and may seem like asthma or bronchitis.
If you or a member of your family has symptoms, including coughing for two weeks without other explanation, you need to contact your physician. There are medications to treat the infection and relieve the symptoms.
You also need to make sure your families vaccinations are up to date. Protection against pertussis from the childhood vaccine “Dtap” decreases over time. Older children and adults, including pregnant women, should get a booster shot to protect themselves and infants near or around them.
If you need a booster shot, contact your doctor or call the Reno County Health Department at 694-2900.