Deschutes County confirms four cases of whooping cough

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BEND, Ore. – (Update: all 4 had been vaccinated, the effectiveness may decrease)

Deschutes County Public Health announced Thursday it has confirmed four cases of pertussis in the community, one in the adult and three in high school – two at Summit High School and one at Bend High School.

Pertussis can be a serious illness and one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States, officials said. Infants and medically fragile children are most at risk for serious illness and, in rare cases, for death.

"The best defense against whooping cough is a well-immunized community," said the county. DTaP and Tdap vaccines are readily available from your local health care provider and many pharmacies. The Deschutes County Health Unit also offers vaccines; call (541) 322-7400 to make an appointment.

Health officials said the four people who had had whooping cough had been vaccinated, but noted that efficiency was declining somewhat over time. It remains effective at around 80 to 90%, but booster shots are recommended for some people.

Early symptoms of whooping cough in older children and adults are similar to colds and usually include runny nose, sneezing, and severe cough.

After a few days, the cough will usually worsen and may be followed by spasms and sometimes vomiting. Infants generally have more severe symptoms, including:

• gagging
• Panting
• And a noise of whooping cough while coughing

The county said that anyone with symptoms similar to those described above should request a medical assessment in order to eliminate the pertussi.

In case of suspicion of whooping cough and prescription antibiotics, the officials stated that you should not go to school or work until you have completed the prescribed treatment for at least five days.