KCK health officials seeing increase in whooping cough cases
Whooping cough highly contagious bacterial infection that is easily spread
The Unified Government Public Health Department said there has been an increase in the number of cases of pertussis, which is known better as whooping cough.”Pertussis can be very contagious and especially serious in young babies,” said Elizabeth Groenweghe, Chief Epidemiologist at the UG Public Health Department. “If you suspect you or your child may have pertussis, it is important to get evaluated by a doctor or other health care provider.”Health officials said whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that is easily spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. The disease begins with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever. After 1-2 weeks, it can progress to a severe cough that lasts for weeks or months, sometimes leading to coughing fits and/or vomiting. Anyone can get whooping cough, but it can be very dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems, health officials said.Authorities recommend that anyone who has been diagnosed with whooping cough should stay home until completing the prescribed antibiotics.People with pertussis are contagious for three weeks after the cough starts or until they complete antibiotic treatment, health experts said.Authorities said the best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. —The Unified Government Public Health Department said there has been an increase in the number of cases of pertussis, which is known better as whooping cough.”Pertussis can be very contagious and especially serious in young babies,” said Elizabeth Groenweghe, Chief Epidemiologist at the UG Public Health Department. “If you suspect you or your child may have pertussis, it is important to get evaluated by a doctor or other health care provider.”
Health officials said whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that is easily spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. The disease begins with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever. After 1-2 weeks, it can progress to a severe cough that lasts for weeks or months, sometimes leading to coughing fits and/or vomiting. Anyone can get whooping cough, but it can be very dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems, health officials said.Authorities recommend that anyone who has been diagnosed with whooping cough should stay home until completing the prescribed antibiotics.People with pertussis are contagious for three weeks after the cough starts or until they complete antibiotic treatment, health experts said.Authorities said the best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated.
