Minnesota is reporting the most pertussis cases in more than a decade, according to the state Department of Health.
As of last Wednesday, Whooping cough 2,324 casesThe infection, also known as whooping cough, has been reported from health care facilities, medical laboratories, schools and child care centers, with the majority of outbreaks occurring in the Twin Cities metro. This is the highest number reported this time of year Since 2012when there were 4,144 cases.
Health officials had expected the surge because the disease peaks every three to five years. Cases of whooping cough are increasing nationwide, returning to more typical trends seen before many contagious diseases declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. It shows.
In Minnesota, the median age of pertussis cases this year is 14 years old. According to the Ministry of Health, immunity to vaccines (usually recommended for ages 11 to 12) begins to decline after one to two years.
Of these, 77 infants were reported to have pertussis and 34 were hospitalized.
Whooping cough often resembles a cold for the first few weeks before developing into a persistent cough. People who have the disease are contagious for the first 21 days after they start coughing or until the first 5 days of antibiotics are completed.
The Ministry of Health reports that vaccination is critical to preventing and reducing the spread of pertussis. Minnesota officials have expressed concern about a decline in vaccinations for kindergarteners entering the state in recent years.
Health authorities urge pregnant women to get vaccinated and children to get vaccinated on time. Pertussis vaccine is given in combination with tetanus and diphtheria vaccines. It is recommended that adults receive a booster vaccination every 10 years.
