In recent weeks, a dangerous illness, whooping cough (also known as pertussis), has been spreading quickly across New York State, raising serious concerns among health officials. This highly contagious disease has made a strong comeback, and doctors fear the holiday season gatherings will only make things worse, potentially causing a major spike in infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are closely monitoring the surge in pertussis cases nationwide. They have reported a significant increase, with nearly 33,000 cases of whooping cough across the U.S. this year alone. This number is six times higher than the 6,500 cases reported last year, marking the highest level of pertussis cases in over a decade.
In New York State, excluding New York City, the number of cases has been particularly high. The state reported 52 new cases in the past week, bringing the total for the year to 1,664. This is a huge increase from last year’s total of 437 confirmed cases.
What is Pertussis (Whooping Cough)?
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is an extremely contagious illness that has been around for centuries. The first recorded outbreak of the disease occurred in Paris in 1578.
The symptoms of whooping cough often start like a regular cold, with a runny nose, mild fever, and a cough. However, as the illness progresses, it becomes more serious, especially in infants. The most recognizable symptom of pertussis is a high-pitched “whoop” sound made when a person inhales after a fit of rapid coughing, also known as paroxysms. These coughing fits can last for weeks or even months.
Fortunately, people who are vaccinated against pertussis are less likely to develop the characteristic “whoop” and typically recover faster. However, infants under 1 year old and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to severe complications.
The Dangers of Pertussis
Pertussis can lead to serious complications, particularly for babies under 1 year old. It can cause pneumonia, ear infections, seizures, nervous system problems, and even death. It is estimated that about 50% of babies under 1 who contract whooping cough end up in the hospital.
The CDC strongly recommends that parents get the DTaP vaccine for their children, which protects against whooping cough. This vaccine is given in four doses, starting at 2 months old and continuing until the child is 18 months old.
As children grow older, they should receive booster shots, known as the Tdap vaccine, when entering elementary and high school. Adults who are around infants should also get the Tdap vaccine to protect the babies from this dangerous disease.
It is important to note that there is no lifelong immunity to pertussis. This means that people who have had the disease before or have been exposed to it in the past are still at risk of contracting it again. The CDC warns that unvaccinated individuals are at a higher risk of developing severe complications if they catch whooping cough.
How to Prevent the Spread of Pertussis
To prevent the spread of pertussis, the CDC emphasizes the importance of vaccination. By ensuring that as many people as possible are vaccinated, the spread of the disease can be slowed down.
If someone contracts whooping cough, they should isolate themselves until they receive treatment. This is particularly important if they have regular contact with young children or babies, who are most at risk of severe complications.
With the increase in whooping cough cases across New York and the upcoming holiday gatherings, everyone must take steps to protect themselves and others by getting vaccinated and following health guidelines.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
