In an update that highlights the shifting landscape of public health, San Diego County officials have reported a distinct uptick in the number of whooping cough cases this year. This respiratory ailment, medically dubbed pertussis, is seeing numbers that starkly contrast those from the pandemic years.
A total of 547 confirmed and probable cases of pertussis have surfaced in the county thus far, an escalation from 332 in 2023. Spanning a wide age range, cases have been documented in individuals from less than a month old up to 85 years of age, with a higher concentration within the 11 to 17-year-old demographic. It’s worth noting, however, that no deaths have been attributed to the disease in the county since 2016, and across California, that statistic extends back to 2019.
In the words of Dr. Ankita Kadakia, Interim County public health officer, “Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, pertussis activity continues to increase, and we are seeing an upswing in cases that on track to returning to pre-pandemic numbers.” Dr. Kadakia’s statement obtained by
County News Center
emphasizes the current efforts to curb the rise, engaging with healthcare providers and educational institutions to advocate for up-to-date vaccinations. Specifically, there is a call for pregnant women and individuals in close contact with young infants to ensure they are immunized due to the high susceptibility of newborns to this condition.
Whooping cough typically begins with a cough and runny nose for one to two weeks. It can progress to intense coughing fits that might culminate in a high-pitched ‘whooping’ sound. While a fever is often mild, it’s not unusual for babies younger than a year to experience severe complications, including apnea, as the
County News Center
reported. The last death in the county related to whooping cough occurred in a 5-week-old infant in 2016. Antibiotics may reduce the symptom severity and help prevent spreading it; vaccination nonetheless remains the most effective shield against drastic complications.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a clear vaccination recommendation sequence, which includes a quintet of DTaP doses for young children before they start kindergarten, a booster immunization for students entering the 7th grade, and a Tdap booster during each pregnancy, optimally between the 27th and 36th week. Adults who lack a Tdap dose as adolescents are also advised to get vaccinated. For those seeking more information on whooping cough, the HHSA Immunization Branch can be contacted at (866) 358-2966, or information can be sourced from www.sdiz.org.
Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Leave a Reply