An increase in whooping cough in Oakland County has resulted in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issuing an advisory.
Oakland County’s Health Division reports they have identified an increase in confirmed cases of whooping cough, known as pertussis, in the area. Pertussis, a “very contagious” disease, puts infants younger than 12 months at the greatest risk.
“The State of Michigan is reporting an increase in pertussis, especially in childcare and preschool settings where children are not old enough to have received the complete five doses of vaccine to be fully immunized,” Kathy Forzley, Oakland County health officer, said in the release. “Antibiotics are effective in treating pertussis symptoms as well as reducing the risk of a person who has been exposed to pertussis from spreading the disease to others.”
Whooping cough’s symptoms include violent, persistent coughing until the “air is gone from the lungs,” a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, watery eyes and a fever. The disease is said to be most contagious during the first few weeks.
Unvaccinated children are at a greater risk at experiencing more “severe” symptoms from the illness, according to Oakland County’s Health Department. While the vaccine does not combat symptoms, it prevents the spread of the disease.
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