Deschutes County confirms four pertussis cases

(Update: All 4 had been vaccinated; effectiveness can wane)

Deschutes County Public Health said Thursday it has confirmed four cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in the community, one in an adult and three in high school students — two at Summit High School and one at Bend High School.

Pertussis can be a serious illness and is one of the most commonly occurring vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States, officials said. Infants and medically fragile children are at the highest risk of serious illness and, in rare cases, death.

“The best defense against pertussis is a well-immunized community,” the county’s announcement stated. DTaP and Tdap vaccines are readily available through your local health care provider and many pharmacies. Deschutes County Health Services also offers vaccinations; call (541) 322-7400 to make an appointment.

Health officials said the four people who contracted pertussis had been vaccinated, though they noted the effectiveness wanes somewhat over time. It remains roughly 80 to 90 percent effective, but booster shots are recommended for some people.

Initial symptoms of pertussis in older children and adults are similar to those of a cold, and commonly include a runny nose, sneezing and a severe cough.

Over the course of a few days, the cough will usually worsen and can be followed by spasms and occasionally vomiting. Infants commonly demonstrate more severe symptoms, which may include:

Gagging Gasping And a whooping sound when coughing

The county said anyone with symptoms similar to those described above should seek a medical evaluation to rule out pertussi.

If pertussis is suspected and antibiotics are prescribed, officials said you should not attend school or work until you have completed a minimum of five days of the prescribed medication.

For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html