May 2012 Pertussis

For Immediate Release
May 14, 2012

Contact: Cindy Bodendein RN, MSN

Sauk County Health Department has seen up to 30 cases of pertussis cases in the Sauk Prairie and Baraboo areas in the last 3 weeks. Pertussis (also called whooping cough) is a disease caused by a bacterium that is spread from person to person and can cause serious illness in infants. Symptoms begin with cold- like symptoms, after two weeks the cough slowly gets worse, and may last for 4-6 weeks. The coughing may be uncontrollable and may be followed by vomiting. If anyone is experiencing any of the above symptoms are they encouraged to see their medical provider. Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics.

There is a vaccination that prevents pertussis, but infants under 2 months of age cannot be immunized and children up to one year may not be fully protected. Adults caring for infants and children less than 1 year of age should have a booster. Children are protected through childhood vaccination received up to age 5. Immunity usually wanes by adolescence so booster vaccinations are recommended for children and adults.

The Sauk County Public Health Department recommends children who are age 4 and have not received their 5th dose of DTaP to be vaccinated. Additionally, a Tdap booster is recommended for 11 year olds and older. The vaccine provides protection after 2-3 weeks so anyone recently exposed will not be protected immediately. There is however, antibiotic treatment available if an individual becomes symptomatic or exposed to someone with pertussis.

The Sauk County Health Department will be at the Sauk City Community Center from 3-5 Tuesday May15, 2012. At Trinity Baptist Church S3205 Golf Course Road, Reedsburg on Thursday May 17, 2011 from 3-6:00 PM and at the West Square Building on June 14, 2012 from 3-6. People may be eligible for free vaccine. Parents should call the health department (355-3290) for an appointment or if they have questions on their vaccination status.