Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has been confirmed as the cause of an outbreak in Henderson County. The Department of Public Health reported a current tally of 27 cases and is currently working to identify and notify those who may have been exposed. Most of the cases have occurred among school-aged children.
Pertussis is a highly contagious infection that affects the airways and lungs. It spreads easily when someone coughs or sneezes, and symptoms typically develop within 5 to 10 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days. Symptoms include a severe cough that can last for weeks or months, sometimes leading to coughing fits or vomiting.
To prevent the spread of pertussis, families are encouraged to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date. The childhood vaccine, DTaP, provides protection against pertussis, but its effectiveness decreases over time. Older children and adults, including pregnant women, should get a pertussis booster shot called ‘Tdap’ to protect themselves and infants near them. If you need the Tdap vaccine, contact your healthcare provider or call the Health Department at 828-692-4223 for assistance.
For more information on pertussis and how to protect yourself and your family during an outbreak
