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County health officials warn of possible pertussis outbreak

At least five cases under investigation by Reno County Health Department

John Green
jgreen@hutchnews.com

The Reno County Health Department is investigating a possible outbreak of pertussis or whooping cough.

Currently, five cases have been reported and are still under investigation, with other possible cases are being investigated.

When Reno County last had an outbreak of pertussis in 2015, some 100 cases were confirmed in the county before that eight-month outbreak was ruled over, with more than 200 cases investigated.

That compares to last year, when Kansas recorded 179 cases statewide, according to data from the CDC.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection commonly referred to as “whooping cough” because of the sound of the cough associated with it later in the disease.

Pertussis often causes serious problems and can be fatal in infants less than a year old, with about half of babies less than a year old who get disease needing treatment in the hospital.

Pertussis usually starts out with cold or flu-like symptoms including a runny nose, sneezing, fever, and cough which last 1 to 2 weeks. Symptoms worsen over time and the cough generally gets more severe, according to a release from the Reno County Health Department.

Coughing spells in the next stages of pertussis can be followed by the “whoop” sound that is made when trying in inhale during or after a severe coughing spell. A person's lips may also turn blue, or they may vomit after a coughing spell. Infants may have difficulty eating, drinking, and breathing. This stage of pertussis can last up to 6 weeks.

Those who are vaccinated can have symptoms that are milder and may seem like asthma or bronchitis.

Health officials advise anyone with symptoms, including a cough for two weeks, without other explanation, should contact your physician. There are medications to treat the infection and relieve the symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also urges individuals that suspect they have pertussis to limit contact with unvaccinated children and see a physician as soon as possible.

Protection against pertussis from the childhood vaccine “DTaP” decreases over time. Older children and adults, including pregnant women, should get a pertussis booster shot called “Tdap” to protect themselves and infants near or around them.

If you need the Tdap vaccine, contact your doctor or call the Reno County Health Department at 620-694-2900.