Health officials warn of whooping cough

By ERIC LINDBERG — June 30, 2009

A string of whooping cough cases in Santa Barbara County has public health officials warning residents to ensure they are immunized for the highly contagious respiratory infection.

A total of eight cases of pertussis, the medical term for whooping cough, have been confirmed in the county between June 1 and 25, according to the County Public Health Department.

Victims of the infection range in age from 1 month to 49 years old, officials said, and five are in their teen years. The disease initially presents itself as an ordinary cold, but can become more serious, particularly in infants.

Health officials said it is most contagious before coughing and sneezing starts. After several weeks, the disease can progress to bursts of rapid coughing that can result in vomiting and exhaustion.

“A final recovery stage with coughing may last weeks or months,” according to the County Health Department. “Complications of adult pertussis occur rarely, but infants are at the highest risk as they can develop apnea, pneumonia, seizures and even death.”

Anyone exhibiting symptoms suggestive of whooping cough should contact their doctor or healthcare provider. Most children are immunized for pertussis in the county, but some vulnerable populations have not received the vaccination due to illness, being underage or by choice.

Medical officials recommend receiving the primary series of vaccinations at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 15 months, followed by booster shots at 5 years and 12 years.

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Pertussis outbreak : 7/2/2009

Please be aware that fully vaccinated children can get pertussis. The vaccination is about 70-80% effective for children 6-9 years old. The symptoms are typically less for vaccinated children, but still can involve paroxysmal coughing. Even children who have been vaccinated, but are showing these symptoms, should see a doctor. Antibiotics will be prescribed for infected children.

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