Nebraskans encouraged to get the Pertussis vaccine after an increase in whooping cough
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has reported 35 cases of Pertussis, also known as the whooping cough, this year.
This has doubled compared to the 13 cases reported in 2023. A Pertussis case was recently confirmed in a student in the Two Rivers Public Health department region where they are currently monitoring the situation.
Officials are now recommending people take precautions as the number grows. Pertussis is a contagious respiratory disease spread by coughing or sneezing. Early symptoms may include:
- Common cold
- Runny or stuffy noses
- Low-grade fevers
- Mild coughs
- Vomiting
- Fatigue after coughing fits
- Struggling to breath
One to two weeks after these symptoms occur, a person may also experience coughing fits known as paroxysms. Coughing may last between one to 10 weeks where one might experience a cough causing a “whoop” sound.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) caution that approximately one in three babies who catch pertussis and are younger than one year of age may end up needing hospital care.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services encourage measures be taken to protect younger individuals who are more threatened by the disease as well as people who have not had the Pertussis vaccine at all.
It is strongly encouraged that if you have not had a Tdap vaccine in the last seven years that it is important to talk to your primary provider for more details and about your own personal risk.
The CDC encourages Pertussis vaccinations for most people. The vaccine can only be given to infants after they are two months old, so it is recommended that pregnant women receive the vaccine between 26 to 27 weeks of pregnancy.
Those who experience mild symptoms can manage to get better on their own, but if symptoms start to get worse, it is encouraged to seek medical care. Health officials says early antibiotic treatment before the growth of the infection may help.
If you are showing symptoms of pertussis, officials say you should make sure to inform your healthcare provider. For more information about pertussis visit www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html.
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