Whooping cough outbreak confirmed by health officials, vaccinations encouraged

Contagious whooping cough outbreak confirmed by health officials in North Carolina

County health officials in North Carolina confirmed an outbreak of whooping cough Thursday.Andrew Mundhenk, with the Henderson County Department of Public Health, said 27 cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have been reported in Henderson County.He said health officials say they are actively working to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to the cases. Most cases are among school-aged children, according to Mundhenk, who said parents, guardians and close contacts of the individuals are being notified by letter or phone call."Pertussis is an infection that affects the airways and lungs," Mundhenk said. "It spreads easily when someone coughs or sneezes. Symptoms usually develop within 5 to 10 days after exposure, but sometimes take as long as 21 days. It causes a severe cough that can last for weeks or months, sometimes leading to coughing fits or vomiting."Pertussis can affect anyone, but infants younger than 12 months of age and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for severe complications and death."He encouraged families to make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date. Protection against pertussis from the childhood vaccine, DTaP, decreases over time. Older children and adults, including pregnant women, need to get a pertussis booster shot called "Tdap" to protect themselves and infants near or around them.People in Henderson County who need the Tdap vaccine, can contact their healthcare provider or call the Health Department at 828-692-4223 for assistance.For more information on pertussis, visit the CDC website.

HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. —

County health officials in North Carolina confirmed an outbreak of whooping cough Thursday.

Andrew Mundhenk, with the Henderson County Department of Public Health, said 27 cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have been reported in Henderson County.

He said health officials say they are actively working to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to the cases.

Most cases are among school-aged children, according to Mundhenk, who said parents, guardians and close contacts of the individuals are being notified by letter or phone call.

"Pertussis is an infection that affects the airways and lungs," Mundhenk said. "It spreads easily when someone coughs or sneezes. Symptoms usually develop within 5 to 10 days after exposure, but sometimes take as long as 21 days. It causes a severe cough that can last for weeks or months, sometimes leading to coughing fits or vomiting.

"Pertussis can affect anyone, but infants younger than 12 months of age and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for severe complications and death."

He encouraged families to make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date. Protection against pertussis from the childhood vaccine, DTaP, decreases over time. Older children and adults, including pregnant women, need to get a pertussis booster shot called "Tdap" to protect themselves and infants near or around them.

People in Henderson County who need the Tdap vaccine, can contact their healthcare provider or call the Health Department at 828-692-4223 for assistance.

For more information on pertussis, visit the CDC website.