ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) —
Public health officials on Monday reported a seventh case of pertussis, or “whooping cough,” in Buncombe County since late April, and they are urging the public to be alert to help contain the spread.
According to a health alert posted on the county’s web site, all the recent cases in the county have involved children.
The alert points out that pertussis is an infection that affects the upper airways and spreads easily through coughing or sneezing.
“It can affect anyone but is especially dangerous for babies,” the alert states, citing statistics that nearly half of infants less than 1-year-old requiring hospitalization if they get pertussis. “Most deaths from whooping cought are among infants too young to be fully vaccinated,” the alert states.
Buncombe County Health and Human Services gets involved when a pertussis case is identified, attempting to identify and notify anyone who also might have been exposed, such as family members, care givers or others.
The agency urged residents and medical providers to “take pertussis seriously, as it can spread quickly in schools, workplaces and healthcare settings.”
“With the community spread of whooping cough in the region and multiple cases now in Buncombe County, we urge individuals and families to protect themselves and others,” Dr. Ellis Matheson, the county’s public health director, said in a release. “Vaccination remains the best defense and can also reduce the severity of the illness.”
According to the release, initial symptoms of pertussis can resemble those of a common cold: runny nose, low-grade fever and occasional mild cough. Infants also can experience brief pauses in breathing, or apnea.
After one or two weeks, symptoms can worsen, with severe coughing fits, often with a “whoop” sound when taking in breaths, plus vomiting and exhaustion after coughing fits, the release states.
For the recommended vaccinations, they urge people to contact their health providers to schedule appointments, or visit the Buncombe County Immunization Clinic, 40 Coxe Ave., in Asheville. The clinic can be reached at (828) 250-5096. Or see www.buncombecounty.org/immunize.
“Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent pertussis from spreading,” the health alert states, so those with symptoms are urged to stay home from school, work or group activities, and consult a healthcare provider.