Whooping cough epidemic: Number of cases increases fourfold in the United States

Mary Gay Broderick and Katie Kerwin McCrimmon

Whooping cough cases in the United States are four times higher this year than this time last year, prompting infectious disease experts to sound the alarm and urge vaccination to protect vulnerable newborns, pregnant women, health care workers and immunocompromised adults.

As of late August, health experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) There were 12,353 recorded cases of whooping cough.The number of cases of the infection, also known as whooping cough, is up from 3,081 in the same period last year.

Pertussis outbreaks and cases in the United States

CDC experts say Pertussis cases fell sharply during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. But there has been a surge this year. Whooping cough infections in the United States fell dramatically from the 1960s through the 1990s after a life-saving vaccine was developed, but infections surged in the 2000s as misinformation about the vaccine spread.A look at whooping cough cases in the United States by yearIn 2019, before the COVID-19 outbreak, health professionals reported more than 18,000 cases of whooping cough in the U.S. As people took precautions against COVID-19, whooping cough cases fell to a low of just over 2,000 in 2021, but have since been on the rise.

Whooping cough can infect both children and adults. It is particularly dangerous for unprotected newborns, as the disease can lead to hospitalization and, in rare cases, death.

To find out more about whooping cough and how people can protect themselves and their loved ones, we UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center In Steamboat Springs.

The best way to prevent pertussis infection is to get vaccinated.

“The old adage, 'An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,' is so true when it comes to protecting yourself and others,” Bryan said.

“Many people underestimate the impact of vaccine-preventable diseases like whooping cough, but these diseases can be devastating, especially for young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems,” she said.

“Whooping cough is highly contagious but highly preventable if children are vaccinated,” Bryan said. “There has been a downward trend in the number of whooping cough cases in the state from 2013 to 2021, but unfortunately that trend is now heading in the wrong direction.”

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable contagious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, a bacteria that spreads from person to person through the air. The bacteria attach to the cilia in the mouth. Upper respiratory tract They release toxins that damage the cilia, the hair-like projections that line the airways in your lungs, and help move debris, mucus, and bacteria toward your mouth so they can be expelled from your body when you sneeze or cough.

Why is whooping cough dangerous?

Unfortunately, serious complications from whooping cough are common: One in three babies who get whooping cough require hospitalization, one in five babies develop pneumonia, and some babies suffer from seizures and brain swelling. Teens and adults can develop pneumonia after contracting whooping cough, Bryan said.

How contagious is whooping cough or pertussis?

Whooping cough is highly contagious. It is estimated that about 80% of susceptible people will catch the disease after close contact with an infected person. Once infected, it usually takes 5-10 days for symptoms to appear, but it can take up to 21 days.

How does whooping cough spread?

The bacteria that cause whooping cough is transmitted through the air from one infected person to another and remains contagious for a long time, at least two weeks after symptoms begin.

“That means that if an infected person is infected, they will not be able to go to work, school or participate in any activities for at least two weeks,” Bryan said.

Why is this infection called whooping cough?

“Swelling of the airways often causes a high-pitched whoosh sound when breathing in after a coughing fit,” Bryan says. “People often describe it as the worst cough of their life. Some people vomit after a coughing fit, become so tired from coughing that they can't sleep and have trouble breathing, and some even break ribs from coughing so hard.”

Why are we hearing about whooping cough or whooping cough now?

Whooping cough has been in the news as cases are on the rise after a temporary drop in cases during the pandemic.

What are the symptoms and stages of whooping cough?

Whooping cough infection lasts an average of 12 weeks.

Generally speaking The three stages of whooping cough But that time frame can vary widely from person to person, Bryan said.

• Early symptoms include fever, runny nose and a mild cough and can last for 1-2 weeks. Both children and adults are most contagious at this stage.
• In the second stage, characteristic whooping cough symptoms are experienced on inhalation between rapidly debilitating coughing fits.
• The recovery phase lasts for another 2-3 weeks, during which the coughing fits gradually subside, but the damage to the cilia puts the patient at risk of catching other respiratory infections.

Who can get whooping cough?

Anyone can get whooping cough, including newborns, children and adults, but 70% of deaths occur in newborns under 2 months of age, before they have had their first vaccination.

Is there a vaccine to prevent whooping cough?

Yes, there are two different forms of the vaccine. DTaP It is used to provide new Immune to diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough Tdap Used Boost A lower dose is needed to boost immunity than the DTaP version. Both vaccines are safe and produce antibodies in the body that provide protection if exposed to whooping cough.

I thought no one would get whooping cough anymore?

In the past, very few people got whooping cough, or pertussis. But misinformation about the vaccine has led to fewer people getting regular vaccinations and protecting infants and young children. Also, some vulnerable people are not eligible for the vaccine. Newborns cannot receive their first dose of the whooping cough vaccine until they are two months old. Adults need a booster shot every 10 years.

What about pregnant women? Do they need a whooping cough booster shot?

Yes, pregnant women should get a pertussis booster vaccination between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Whooping Cough Recommendations for People of All Ages.

Who is most susceptible to whooping cough?

Infants under the age of 1 are at highest risk for whooping cough or its serious complications. Other people can also become seriously ill with whooping cough, or pertussis. This includes people with compromised immune systems, including those with moderate to severe asthma.

Is it true that whooping cough only affects infants and young children?

No. Whooping cough can affect anyone at any age. Infection is most severe in newborns, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Whooping cough, like other respiratory illnesses including COVID-19, is an opportunistic bacterial infection. It is airborne, which is why coughing is dangerous. Vaccinated people can also become infected, but symptoms will be much milder than if they were unvaccinated.

Will my child not get whooping cough if his vaccines are up to date?

Vaccines provide good protection, but it is important that both children and adults stay up to date on their vaccinations. Newborns can receive their first dose at 2 months of age. Children aged 5-9 yearsDTaP vaccination provides 75% immunity It will gradually weaken over time.

That's why we get booster shots as we get older, and why it's so important that as high a percentage of people of all ages in our communities as possible get vaccinated. High vaccination rates create what experts call “herd immunity” — meaning most people are protected and viruses and bacteria have a harder time spreading and taking hold.

When should children get the whooping cough vaccine?

Children should receive five doses of DTaP: at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years of age. Adolescents should receive Tdap at age 11-12 years. Adults should receive the vaccine every 10 years. Women should receive Tdap during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Why do adults need to get the whooping cough vaccine?

Adults should keep all vaccines up to date and get the recommended Tdap booster shot, which protects against whooping cough, as well as diphtheria and tetanus. Whooping cough causes a severe cough and can be life-threatening in some people. Additionally, adults will want to protect vulnerable loved ones, from newborns to the elderly.

“Nobody wants to infect their baby and put them in harm's way,” Bryan said.

Why should caregivers and health care workers be vaccinated against whooping cough?

It is important that caregivers and health care workers keep their Tdap vaccine up to date to prevent the spread of whooping cough.

In addition to getting the whooping cough vaccination, what is the best way to prevent the spread of the disease?

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Do not send sick children to school.
• If possible, self-isolate at home and use a separate towel for the sick family member.
• Wear a mask if you must be in public.

What is the treatment for whooping cough?

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics in the early stages of the illness, before the whooping cough sets in. Of course, it's difficult to know if a person has whooping cough before the characteristic cough develops.

Antibiotics can reduce the effects of symptoms.

“When the cilia are damaged by toxins released by the bacteria, antibiotics are no longer able to shorten the duration of the illness,” Bryan says, “and some people who come into contact with whooping cough patients may need to take antibiotics to prevent infection.”

What precautions should you take if your child has whooping cough?

Do not send your baby or child to daycare, school or other activities.

“Infected individuals should remain in isolation at home until they are told by public health officials that they are no longer contagious,” Bryan said.

I'm worried my child may have whooping cough. Should I take him to the vet?

“Any symptoms that concern you should be evaluated by a doctor. If your child has periods where they stop breathing (apnea), looks pale or is not drinking enough fluids or having wet nappies less than usual, you should go to the emergency room right away,” Bryan said.

Are there any home remedies for whooping cough or whooping cough?

Only certain antibiotics work against Bordetella pertussis, so it's important to see a doctor if you develop symptoms.

“Again, babies are particularly susceptible to infection so it's important parents make sure their vaccinations are up to date. Although whooping cough is a cold-like illness in adults, it can be very severe in babies,” she said. “Ensuring people of all ages are up to date on vaccines is important for their overall health and wellbeing.”