MO: Whooping cough outbreaks

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Source: http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=291546

Whooping cough outbreak continues
By Mark Slavit
Friday, April 24, 2009 at 1:56 p.m.

BOONE COUNTY -- Boone county health officials say its one of the worst outbreaks in years.

They are trying to stop the spread of pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

Doctors have confirmed 44 cases of whooping cough in Boone County since October with 31 documented cases this year.

Boone County Health Department Spokeswoman Geni Alexander told KRCG news the best way to stop the spread of the disease is by recognizing symptoms and seeing your doctor.

Alexander says whooping cough has the same symptoms as a common cold with an additional loud, barking cough.

Health officials say adults are more likely to spread the disease than children.

Alexander said, ?Whooping cough is spread through coughing and sneezing, like the common cold. If you don?t have children at home, that doesn?t mean you can?t get whooping cough. You need to be aware of the symptoms. If you have not had a booster, visit with your primary care physician or come see us here at the health department.?

Boone County health officials have confirmed 11 cases of whooping cough at two Columbia public schools since October.

They are not saying the names of the schools.

Health officials say simple things like washing your hands and covering your mouth when you cough can also help stop the spread of whooping cough.

KRCG's Health Reporter Teresa Snow recently reported on Whooping Cough. You can link to the story HERE.

 

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Re: MO: Whooping cough outbreaks

Source: http://www.gallatinnorthmissourian....article&sid=27652&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

Outbreaks of pertussis in county (Daviess County)
Published Online Jun 24, 2009 - 12:58 PM
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The Daviess County Health Department has seen recent outbreaks of pertussis in Daviess County and the surrounding areas during the past few weeks, according to Administrator Cheryl Alexander.

The Daviess County Health Department urges adults and their children (11-18) to immunize with the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccine.

In the spring of 2005, two new vaccines to prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whopping cough) in pre-teens and adults were licensed and recommended. These vaccines, called Tdap, will for the first time in our history protect pre-teens (11 and over) and adults against pertussis.

Pertussis is caused by a toxin-producing bacterium. These toxins primarily damage the lungs. People with pertussis usually have painful spasms of coughing with a loud "whooping" sound upon inhalation. In some cases, the coughing can be so severe that people crack their ribs. Like diphtheria, pertussis is highly contagious and is spread by coughing and sneezing.

Although pertussis is common in teenagers and adults, most people with prolonged coughing illnesses are told they have a viral illness or bronchitis. Pertussis is very serious in babies because their windpipe is much smaller than that of older children. Babies are much more likely to die from pertussis and typically catch the disease from teenagers and adults living in the same home. Almost all are younger than four months of age ? too early to have been fully protected by the vaccine.

Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is caused by a bacterium found in the soil. Tetanus bacteria produce a toxin that causes painful muscle spasms. The tetanus vaccine is the only vaccine that prevents a disease that is not passed from person to person.

Diphtheria is also caused by a bacterium that produces a powerful toxin. The toxin can invade the heart, kidneys and nervous system. It usually causes a thick coating on the back of the throat that makes it difficult to swallow and breathe. Diphtheria is very contagious and is spread by coughing and sneezing.

For further information on pertussis vaccine or any vaccine, please contact the health department at 660-663-2414, or you may go on the website: vaccine.chop.edu

 

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Re: MO: Whooping cough outbreaks

The Boone county outbreak is Columbia Missouri, the University of Missouri is in Columbia. It's geographically in the center of the state.

 

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Re: MO: Whooping cough outbreaks

It's often misdiagnosed and apparently on the rise as of late...

http://www.onlinelawyersource.com/news/whooping-cough.html


There was also a Texas incident in April...

April 23rd 2009 - whooping cough - austin travis and williamson county
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/04/23/0423whooping.html

 

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Re: MO: Whooping cough outbreaks

Source: http://www.ky3.com/news/local/58484962.html

Whooping cough causes concern in Greene County
by KY3 News
Story Published: Sep 10, 2009 at 8:06 AM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 10, 2009 at 10:19 AM CDT
Related Content

* Jasper County confirms whooping cough outbreak not swine flu

SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield-Greene County Health Department officials are concerned with a spike in cases of whooping cough. Symptoms are similar to cold and flu: low grade fever, runny nose, cough.

"There are six cases in Greene County this year, compared to none in 2008," said Kendra Williams of the health department. "We've had indication from the state Department of Health that they're seeing an increase all over, so it's a trend that we'll see in this area and it's certainly something for us to watch for."

The disease can last for weeks, even months - and antibiotics are needed to treat it.