Vaccines have the potential to provide protection for up to a decade.
Health officials are on high alert, including here at home, due to a surge in pertussis cases, also known as whooping cough, during the ongoing holiday season.
According to the CDC, there has been a significant increase in cases of whooping cough, reaching the highest level in a decade. The CDC reports that this year’s cases are six times higher than last year’s.
According to KHOU 11, Harris County Public Health has recently disclosed their latest figures, revealing that there are currently 52 cases in Harris County. This represents an increase of almost double compared to 2023, when the number of cases stood at 27.
According to the Houston Health Department, the city of Houston has reported a total of 26 cases so far this year.
Health officials in Galveston County have expressed concern over a significant increase in reported cases, following a year with no reported cases.
Dr. Linda Yancey, an Infectious Disease Specialist at Memorial Hermann Hospital, is among the doctors who are concerned about the increase in cases.
Pertussis is currently causing great concern among public health experts, according to her.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. This infection is easily transmitted through the air.
Health officials have indicated that the onset of this illness typically resembles that of a common cold. However, as time progresses, it tends to deteriorate, resulting in severe bouts of coughing. If not addressed promptly, this condition can easily spread to those in close proximity.
Yancey explained that the virus can infect both adults and children, with varying severity. While adults may experience anything from a mild to severe cough, it can be particularly dangerous for babies under 1 year old.
What is causing the sudden increase in cases of whooping cough?
Yancey explains that the vaccination rates for pertussis have declined since the pandemic, resulting in an increase in cases this year.
According to Yancey, taking precautions such as wearing a mask in crowded places, maintaining good hygiene, and avoiding contact with sick individuals can help reduce the risk of illness. However, the most important step she suggests for protecting yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated.
According to her, the whooping cough vaccine is readily accessible at any pharmacy. It only needs to be administered once every ten years. She further explained that after receiving the vaccine, individuals become effectively immune from whooping cough for the next decade.
