Health officials warn of increased whooping cough spread in local schools

The Madison County Health Department is seeing an increase in whooping cough, cases among school-aged children.

Pertussis, also known as ‘whooping cough’ is a bacterial respiratory infection that spreads easily to others when individuals with this infection cough or sneeze.

“Whooping cough can be very serious for infants too young to be vaccinated. This is why we are alerting both medical providers and the public that this illness is spreading in our community,” said Madison County Public Health’s Community Health Director, Rebecca LaPorte.

Vaccinated people who get whooping cough have milder symptoms compared to unvaccinated people. The most common symptoms are cough, fever, and nasal congestion. Cough can worsen and last several weeks.

Anyone who has symptoms consistent with pertussis should stay home and contact a health care provider for evaluation and testing.

To prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, Madison County Public Health recommends:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands, if you don’t have a tissue.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.

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