The county Public Health Department has identified more than 100 cases of whooping cough so far this year — a huge increase over the number of identified cases in previous years.
And the number of cases is expected to grow, as more children and adults are experiencing “waning immunity” as their earlier vaccines become less effective over time, said Communicable Disease Manager Christine Gaiger.
Many of those needing the shot are from 10 to 13 years old, she said, likely because their last dose of the vaccine was at age 5 through 7.
“There are still many adults not up-to-date on vaccines, so they don’t have immunity,” she said. “The push is to get boosters for children and adults.”
There were two reported cases of whooping cough in 2009 and 17 cases in 2008.
One infant has been hospitalized this year because of the disease, but is recovering. Whooping cough — also known as pertussis — is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be fatal to infants.
Health department officials encourage anyone with symptoms to visit a medical provider. Symptoms include a cough lasting longer than two weeks and increasing in severity, episodes of sudden, severe coughing, and vomiting after coughing.
Infants who are ill may become pale or dusky blue during a coughing episode and may even stop breathing for a short period of time. Possible complications include pneumonia, seizures, sepsis and encephalopathy, or brain disease.
Treatment includes antibiotics and rest. Severely ill infants may need to be hospitalized.
Health officials say vaccination is the best way to prevent pertussis and urge children and adults without the vaccination to receive a dose, as well as anyone who will have close contact with an infant.
Officials stress that any vaccine given before 2005 should be repeated to assure protection against all three diseases.
The vaccines Adacel and Boostrix are available at the Public Health Department for $25. For more information, visit www.slopublichealth.org and click on 2010 Pertussis under Important Health Issues, or call the Public Health information line at 788-2903.
Reach Cynthia Lambert at 781-7929. Stay updated by following @SouthCountyBeat on Twitter.
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