PHD officials urge pertussis immunizations

SANDPOINT — The recent hospitalization of two northern Idaho infants with whooping cough is a clear call to people of all ages to get their pertussis immunization, according to Panhandle Health District officials.

So far this year, 57 cases of whooping cough have been reported in the five northern counties, said Cynthia Taggart, public information officer for the health district.

Last year, only six cases of whooping cough were reported in the same area for the entire year. The number of cases so far this year (through August) is eight times higher than average, Taggart said.

Both infants recently diagnosed are in intensive care. The pertussis bacteria, which is pervasive, is particularly dangerous for children younger than 6 months old.

Pertussis is a highly contagious disease recognized by severe coughing spells that can cause vomiting and lack of breath. Untreated, pertussis can develop into pneumonia, seizures and encephalitis.

Taggart said pertussis been surging in this area since last November, indicating community-wide transmission. Children and adults in group settings, such as school, are at the highest risk for catching and spreading whooping cough, and vaccination increases the likelihood of avoiding or minimizing the effects of the disease.

“Immunization is our best tool,” said Randi Lustig, epidemiology program manager for the Panhandle Health District.

“The pertussis vaccination isn’t just for babies. Adolescents and adults need to be revaccinated, even if they were vaccinated as children.”

The effectiveness of the pertussis vaccine fades with time. National health officials recommend a booster for children at age 11 or 12. Adults who didn’t get the vaccine as a pre-teen should get one dose.

Babies and children don’t benefit from the vaccine’s maximum protection until age 5. It’s important for anyone around them to have a current pertussis vaccination.

Whooping cough typically starts with a runny nose, but a cough quickly takes over. People spread pertussis by coughing or sneezing while they’re in close contact with others, who then breathe in the pertussis bacteria.

People with pertussis are contagious before the cough starts and stay contagious for up to three weeks. Doctor-prescribed antibiotics can kill the infection and prevent it from spreading.

Whooping cough is frequently misdiagnosed as bronchitis or allergies. North Idaho’s medical community has been advised to consider pertussis a possibility when patients have a cough illness.

PHD has immunizations with the pertussis vaccine for babies, adolescents and adults. For an appointment in Bonner County, call 263-5159; and for an appointment in Boundary County, call 267-5558.