The number of whooping cough instances has drastically surged since 2023, according to latest data from the CDC.
The recent data, revealed on Thursday, depicts the case count at 18,506, ending on October 12's week. In contrast, the same period last year recorded just 3,382 instances.
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a prevalent respiratory disease in the United States. Due to its symptoms resembling those of other respiratory bacteria and viruses, it can be challenging to recognize whooping cough, especially during the seasons when these ailments are commonly spread.
The illness begins with symptoms such as a runny nose, a mild fever, and a persistent tickle in the throat. After a week or two, it progresses to a more severe stage, resulting in intense, full-body coughing fits.
These coughing fits can be so intense that they prompt vomiting or broken ribs. They are often accompanied by a characteristic whooping sound as the person attempts to catch their breath.
Antibiotics can effectively combat the infection if identified within the initial few weeks, before the onset of the debilitating, painful cough. Once it has progressed, the only available treatment is palliative care, including plenty of rest and fluids, as the infection runs its course.
Although whooping cough poses a potential risk to individuals of all ages, infants under 1 year old are particularly vulnerable as their immune systems are still developing. This is particularly true for unvaccinated infants and young children.
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Many babies affected do not develop a cough but experience difficulty breathing instead. Unvaccinated infants and young children are more prone to developing severe complications such as pneumonia and, in rare instances, encephalopathy.
Whooping cough spreads through bacterial transmission via the air. Schools, childcare centers, and hospitals are the primary locations for the infection's spread.
Individuals can remain contagious for up to two weeks following coughing fits. This is how many children are infected by older siblings, parents, or caregivers who may not be aware of their infection.
The most effective method to prevent or alleviate whooping cough symptoms is vaccination. Children should receive the DTaP vaccine, while adolescents and adults should get the TDaP vaccine, as per the CDC's recommendations.
TheDTaP vaccine is crucial for children to protect them from severe complications associated with whooping cough, such as pneumonia. Maintaining good health, especially for infants, involves receiving recommended vaccinations and practicing hygiene to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like whooping cough.
