PARKERSBURG - Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department officials are urging the public to stay updated on vaccinations, as states have reported an increase in cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough.
Patrick Burke, regional epidemiologist for the health department, said whooping cough is a contagious, but highly preventable disease that is especially dangerous for infants.
"This is a vaccine-preventable illness," said Burke. "We are mostly concerned about this disease in children, because it can be fatal."
Several states, including Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina and South Carolina, reported an increase in pertussis cases in the first few months of 2010. California declared a pertussis epidemic in June, after a reported 900 cases and five infant deaths caused by the disease.
Over the last year, there were four confirmed cases of whooping cough in Calhoun, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt and Wood counties, but the incidence of the illness tends to come in cycles, according to a three- to five-year schedule, said Burke.
"During low years we might see only five cases in the state of West Virginia, while in years of high incidence we may see more than 65 cases," he said.
Since the 1980s, there has been an overall increase of cases of pertussis in the United States, especially among those between the ages of 10 and 19, and babies younger than 6 months old. In 2008, there were more than 13,000 cases nationally, including 18 deaths.
"The increase in cases may have something to do with lack of awareness about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. Many people aren't getting vaccinated as they should," said Burke. "There is also evidence of waning immunity."
Whooping cough is characterized by respiratory infection symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and runny nose, which develop into uncontrollable coughing fits. Complications from the illness include pneumonia, ear aches and seizures.
The illness is spread by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in the bacteria, said Burke.
Those who show signs of whooping cough should seek medical attention immediately. Treatment with antibiotics is highly effective, but Burke said the best way to protect yourself from the disease is through prevention by getting vaccinated.
DTaP, the pertussis vaccine given in combination with tetanus, diphtheria, polio and haemophilus influenzae type B immunization, should be given in five doses in the early stages of life. Infants should receive DTaP at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.
A fourth shot is given between 15 and 18 months of age, and the fifth shot is given when a child enters school, between the ages of 4 and 6.
An adolescent/adult pertussis booster vaccine called Tdap was approved for use in the United States in 2005. The adult booster may be needed, as protection from the DTaP booster fades over time.
"If your doctor recommends you need to get an updated vaccination for whooping cough, it is important to follow that advice," said Burke. "These vaccines are incredibly safe. It is the most important tool we have in fighting the disease."
