Multiple whooping cough cases in Tioga County: Keep an eye out for symptoms

Tioga County Public Health officials say there have been multiple cases of whooping cough in the area over the past few weeks. 

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a contagious respiratory disease known for uncontrollable, violent coughing, which often makes it hard for the affected person to breathe.

Symptoms include rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched "whoop" sound, vomiting during or after coughing fits, and exhaustion after coughing fits.

County officials said they were unable to report an exact number of people who have contracted whooping cough "due to the fluctuating number of probable and confirmed cases." 

If you or someone in your family exhibits these symptoms, public health nurse Barbara Bilbrey advises contacting your health care provider, staying home from work or school and avoiding close contact with anyone.

"Whooping cough can be extremely dangerous," Bilbrey said, "especially for those with weakened immune system."

In the United States, there are two vaccines to help prevent whooping cough: diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis vaccine, or DTaP, for children younger than 7, and tetanus diphtheria and acellular pertussis booster, or Tdap, for older children, teens and adults.

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Frequent hand washing can help protect you from contracting whooping cough. Avoid close contact with others who are sick and do not share cups or water bottles.

For more information, visit cdc.gov/pertussis/.

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