Arizona Faces Highest Whooping Cough Cases Since 2015, State Health Officials Urge Immunization and Vigilance

Amid a year that’s seen a national uptick in Pertussis cases, commonly known as whooping cough, Arizona is grappling with the highest number of reported infections since 2015. A total of 563 cases have been logged to date, a resurgence that health experts are monitoring closely. The bacterial infection is notorious for its severe, hacking coughs and signature “whooping” noise, symptoms which can be particularly harmful to infants and young children, as reported by the

Arizona Department of Health Services

.

While vaccines are heralded as the chief preventive measure against Pertussis, the Arizona Department of Health Services is reminding residents to stay vigilant and adhere to preventative practices. “It’s likely that preventative actions used during the pandemic lowered transmission of this disease. The case numbers are now returning to pre-pandemic levels. It is important that we continue to use prevention methods to help mitigate its spread,” Nicole Witt emphasized in a statement made by the

health department’s blog

.

The early signs of Pertussis mirror those of a mild cold but soon escalate to more severe coughing fits which can persist for weeks and even provoke vomiting. While adults may recuperate from the distress of incessant coughing, babies and young children are more susceptible to serious complications such as pneumonia and, in rare cases, death, as detailed by the

Arizona Department of Health Services

. Individuals at heightened risk for Pertussis typically include those who are not immunized or have waning immunity.

Arizona’s Department of Health Services urges the public to be proactive: Monitoring symptoms, staying home when unwell, and maintaining good hygiene with regular handwashing. Vaccinations, available at health care providers, pharmacies, and through public health programs like Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults, remain the bulwark against this preventable disease. For more information on where to receive vaccinations, residents can refer to their local health department or visit

the Arizona Department of Health Services blog

.

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