CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Caldwell County says it’s experiencing an uptick in pertussis cases, commonly known as whooping cough.
Health officials at the Caldwell County Health Department said they’re closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that all reported cases are being investigated and managed.
What is whooping cough?
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes severe coughing fits, sometimes lasting up to 10 weeks, health officials explained.
Although it’s often associated with children, adults can also catch the illness, though they might not be diagnosed until later stages.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include rapid, violent coughing followed by a high-pitched ‘whoop,’ coughing fits that can lead to vomiting, exhaustion, and in some cases, apnea (temporary cessation of breathing), especially in infants, Caldwell County health officials said.
What can you do?
In response to this increase in cases, CCHD is educating the community about the importance of vaccination. Pertussis is preventable through vaccines, and health officials urge everyone to make sure they’re up-to-date on their shots. The DTaP vaccine is recommended for young children, while older children and adults should receive the Tdap vaccine, officials said.
Vaccination is especially important for certain groups, including pregnant women, those who have close contact with infants, and individuals with chronic respiratory conditions. Both the DTaP and Tdap vaccines are available through various healthcare providers.
For more information or to schedule a vaccination, contact CCHD at 828-426-8400.
