Cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, are on the rise in North Carolina and across the United States. Locally, a number of cases have been recently identified, with some being students who attend various schools.
CDC Key Points about Whooping Cough:
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory illness.
Whooping cough may begin like a common cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months.
Treating whooping cough early with antibiotics may make the infection less serious
Hundreds of cases of pertussis are reported each year in North Carolina. Pertussis is an infection that affects the airways and is easily spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. Anyone can get pertussis, but it can be dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms
Click on symptoms to view early symptom signs which begin like a common cold to later symptoms which include rapid, uncontrolled, coughing fits.
Helpful Resources
Learn more about pertussis by clicking on http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/, including symptoms, how it spreads, prevention options and more. Another helpful resource can be accessed by clicking on NCDHHS Pertussis Infographic.
Families who have health concerns about their child are encouraged to contact their family physician, pediatrician, or the Wayne County Health Department at 919-731-1201.