County Confirms Eight Cases of Whooping Cough

Also known as pertussis, the respiratory tract infection is spread by coughing and sneezing

By Susan Klein-Rothschild | Published on 06.29.2009

  • E-mail
  • Print this page Print
  • Comments (2)
    • Share

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department identified eight confirmed cases of pertussis in South Santa Barbara County from June 1 to June 25.

The patients range in age from 1 month to 49 years, with five in the adolescent to teen years.

Residents are urged to see a medical provider if they exhibit the symptoms of pertussis.

Whooping cough — known medically as pertussis — is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that is spread by coughing and sneezing. Although it initially resembles an ordinary cold, whooping cough may eventually turn more serious, particularly in infants, and it is most contagious before the coughing starts.

After one to two weeks, the symptoms may progress to a stage characterized by bursts of numerous rapid coughs (paroxysms) that can result in vomiting and exhaustion. A final recovery stage with coughing may last weeks or months. Complications of adult pertussis occur rarely, but infants are at the highest risk as they can develop apnea, pneumonia, seizures and even death. Residents or children with these symptoms should see a health care provider.

Although pertussis vaccine coverage among children in Santa Barbara County is high, Dr. Elliot Schulman, a county health officer, says there are still vulnerable and susceptible individuals who are unimmunized because of illness, being underage for vaccination, or those who choose not to immunize themselves or their children.

Outbreaks of pertussis, a vaccine preventable disease, highlight the need to ensure all children and adults are up to date with their vaccinations. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends receiving DTaP at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 15 months for the primary series of vaccinations with a booster shot at ages 4 to 5. It is also now recommended that adolescents receive a Tdap booster at ages 11 to 12 and all adults ages 19 to 64 receive one to replace a single dose of Td.

Click here for more information about pertussis.

— Susan Klein-Rothschild is a public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.

Comments (2)

Post a Comment

Ground Rules for Posting Comments

Noozhawk's comments are moderated, but by posting here you accept your responsibility to follow our rules.
  1. No abusive, defamatory or libelous attacks.
  2. No vulgar or discriminatory language.
  3. If you do not follow these rules, we will remove your comment.
Noozhawk's intent is not to limit the discussion of our stories but to elevate it. Thank you for your respectful participation. Click here for our complete Terms of Use.

Name:

» grass wrote on 06.30.09 @ 04:18 AM

how can one tell the dif between this and bronchitis?

» San Roque Resident wrote on 06.30.09 @ 09:32 AM

Whooping cough is really nasty stuff.

Just a suggestion - all those free wildfire face masks that were handed out in May
(Jesuita Fire) and last November (Tea Fire), can also be worn to restrict germ spread
if you develop a bad cough, and are not sure what it is.

The masks work much better to prevent pertussis spread by carriers, than they do to filter out airborne germs to healthy civilians.

So, if you develop a bad cough and fever, Stay Home. But if you must (briefly) go out, Wear a Mask. And of course, Wash Your Hands, Often. Those three basic precautions should work wonders to limit the outbreak.

 

More Local News »

Supervisors Face Grim Budget Picture, Rising Benefit Costs

The governor's proposed budget and other fiscal challenges — including county staffing, salaries and retirement — will top the agenda Tuesday

Hotel Developer Aims to Trim Extended Stay with Goleta Design Review

Planning board will size up latest version of previously pared Marriott Residence Inn project

‘Spirit of the Ocean’ Rock Party a Rain and Shine Event

Two boulders at La Patera Ranch will be carved into a replica of the famous courthouse fountain

Judge Upholds Life Sentence for Jesse James Hollywood

The defense's motion for a new trial is denied in the kidnap-murder of Nicholas Markowitz

Former News-Press Editor Jerry Roberts Wins Arbitration Award

Court documents show owner/publisher Wendy McCaw has been ordered to $1 million in legal fees and arbitration costs

Weather: Light Rain 52.0º


© Malamute Ventures LLC 2007-2010 | ISSN No. 1947-6086

Web Design & Development by PixelFive