State reports ‘significant increase’ in whooping cough cases
Wisconsin is now seeing 10 times more cases than it did last year, according to the Department of Health.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports a significant increase in the number of whooping cough cases in the state. DHS urges residents and their children to keep their whooping cough vaccines up to date. As of September 13, 2024, DHS has received reports of 625 confirmed cases of whooping cough, an increase compared to 51 reported in 2023. Since January 1, 2024, two-thirds of Wisconsin counties have reported at least one case. According to DHS, nearly half of the cases reported so far this year are children between the ages of 11 and 18. “Pertussis can be very serious, especially for infants. The best way to protect yourself and others is to keep your vaccines up to date,” said Stephanie Schauer, Immunization Program Manager for Wisconsin DHS. Whooping cough is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to complications such as pneumonia and even death, especially in very young children. It starts with cold-like symptoms and develops into a severe cough that can last for months. Coughing fits can cause difficulty breathing, gagging and vomiting. Some people may make a high-pitched “whoosh” sound after coughing. DHS urges anyone with symptoms to stay home, call their health care provider and follow their instructions. Severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, require immediate medical attention. Wisconsin residents who do not have health insurance or whose insurance does not cover the vaccine may be able to get assistance from the Childhood Vaccine Program or Adult Vaccine Program.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting a significant increase in the number of whooping cough cases in the state.
DHS urges residents and their children to keep their whooping cough vaccines up to date.
As of September 13, 2024, DHS has been notified of 625 confirmed cases of whooping cough, an increase from the 51 cases reported in 2023. Since January 1, 2024, two-thirds of Wisconsin counties have reported at least one case.
Children between the ages of 11 and 18 account for nearly half of all cases reported so far this year, according to DHS.
“Pertussis is a very serious disease, especially for infants, and the best way to protect yourself and others is to keep your vaccines up to date,” said Stephanie Schauer, immunization program manager for the Wisconsin Department of Homeland Security.
Whooping cough is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to complications such as pneumonia and even death, especially in young children. It begins with cold-like symptoms and develops into a severe cough that can last for months. Coughing fits can cause difficulty breathing, retching and vomiting. Some people may make a high-pitched whooshing sound after coughing.
DHS urges anyone with symptoms to stay home and contact their health care provider and follow their instructions. If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately.
If you are a Wisconsin resident who does not have health insurance or your insurance does not cover vaccinations, Vaccines for Children or Adult Vaccines program.
