Whooping cough reaches epidemic levels

Pertussis, whooping cough, has reached epidemic levels in the state of Washington. According to disease investigators at the Department of Health, over 1,200 cases have been reported in the state through April 28, compared to 117 over the same time last year. There were 965 cases reported in 2011.

The epidemic is on pace for as many as 3,000 cases in 2012. On May 3, Governor Chris Gregoire made emergency funds available to strengthen public awareness efforts about the need for vaccination.

This disease is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes a severe cough and can cause serious illness. It may start with cold-like symptoms or a dry cough followed by episodes of severe coughing, after which, gagging or vomiting may occur. Fever is absent or mild. Pertussis affects people of all ages, but is most serious in infants. Most infants get pertussis from their parents or other family members.

Vaccination is the key to stopping the spread of pertussis. Babies are routinely vaccinated against pertussis with DTaP (diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis) vaccine but they are not fully protected until they have had at least three doses, with the first given at two months of age.

Children should get five doses of DTaP before the age of seven. A pertussis booster, called a Tdap vaccine (tetanus/diptheria/pertussis), is recommended for all adolescents aged 11-12. It is also recommended for all adults who have contact with infants or young children.

Adults should substitute a Tdap vaccine for one routine tetanus booster (Td), normally due every 10 years. There is no minimum time period between getting Td and Tdap vaccines. Pregnant women who have never had a Tdap also need one after their 20th week of pregnancy.

Adams County Health Department has received a grant to provide free Tdap vaccinations to adults who qualify for the GIFT (Give Immunity – Fight Transmission) Program through the AmeriCares Corporation and Sanofi Pasteur, the company that produces Adacel, a form of the Tdap vaccine. Through the GIFT program, adults ages 19-64 who have no health insurance coverage for the vaccine and who meet income requirements can get a free Tdap vaccine.

For further information or to find out if you qualify for the GIFT program, stop by the Health Department office on Wednesdays or call 509-659-3315.

Children, as well as adults, who do not qualify for the GIFT program, can receive DTaP or Tdap vaccines at Adams County Health Department and through local health care providers.