Confirmed Case of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in Caldwell County

LENOIR, NC (March 6, 2020) — A confirmed case of Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, was reported in Caldwell County this week. Caldwell County Health Department reports the individual diagnosed with pertussis are being treated, per guidelines established by the State of North Carolina and the Centers for Disease Control and those they came in close contact with have been notified.

Pertussis is an infection that affects the airways and is easily spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. It causes a severe cough that can last for weeks or months, sometimes leading to coughing fits or vomiting. Anyone can get pertussis, but it can be dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems. Family members with pertussis can spread it to newborns.

Caldwell County Health Department urges the community to be aware of possible symptoms. At first, symptoms are typically mild, including runny nose, low-grade fever, and occasional cough. Infants may also have a pause in their breathing, known as apnea.

After one to two weeks, symptoms can worsen to include:

• Severe coughing spells, followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when a breath is taken

• Throwing-up after coughing fits, especially in young children

• Feeling very tired after coughing fits.

People who are experiencing symptoms should limit contact with others and should seek medical care. Doctors may do a lab test to see if a person has pertussis and can prescribe antibiotics as treatment for those who are sick or can give them to people who have been exposed but who have not become ill. If someone has had possible contact with pertussis, monitor for signs and symptoms.

“It is very important to be tested for pertussis if someone has the signs and symptoms. Pertussis can be a more serious infection among infants and young children. It can be fatal, especially in babies under 1 year of age,” stated Dr. Mark Picton, Medical Director, Caldwell County Health Department.

Those at high risk are, but not limited to:

• Infants and women in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy

• All persons with pre-existing conditions that may be exacerbated by pertussis infection

• Contacts who themselves have close contact with either infants under 12 months, pregnant women, or individuals with pre-existing health conditions at risk of severe illness or complications

• All contacts in high-risk settings that include infants ages <12months or women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

“The best protection against pertussis is vaccination. We urge everyone to make sure their family’s vaccinations are up-to-date,” said Health Director Anna Martin.

Protection against pertussis from the childhood vaccine, DTaP, decreases over time. Older children and adults, including pregnant women (starting at 20 weeks or greater), should get a pertussis booster shot called “Tdap” to protect themselves and infants near or around them. Contact your doctor to get the Tdap vaccine or call Caldwell County Health Department to find a vaccine provider.

Additional information about pertussis can be found on the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/pertussis).

If you have any questions or concerns regarding pertussis, please call the Caldwell County Health Department at (828) 426-8400.