Local medical experts urge public to be cautious about rising number of whooping cough cases
EUGENE, Ore. – Lane County Public Health officials said Wednesday that whooping cough, a disease known as “whooping cough,” is spreading across the region after a spike in cases over the past week. announced.
Public health officials announced on May 15 that the number of probable and confirmed cases had doubled in the past seven days, bringing the total number of cases to more than 40 people still awaiting test results. While some cases are linked, sporadic cases in the community suggest the disease is widespread in the community, public health officials said. The county also announced a spike in cases across the state in 2024, with a total of 120 cases reported to date, compared to 17 cases during the same period in 2023.
“We’re seeing a lot of cases in very young children and at-risk populations,” said Dr. Lisandra Guzman, LCPH deputy health officer. “Their health depends on our actions, and now is the time to do everything we can to protect them.”
Dr. Lutke said whooping cough is not an infection that can be easily fought off if it gets into the body.
Dr. Patrick Luedtke, a senior public health officer, said what makes whooping cough so deadly to young children is the toxin, which inflames the throat as a defense mechanism.
“Toxins cause coughing, and the infection itself causes inflammation, so the body pumps mucus in response to the inflammation, causing swelling,” Lutke said. “The airways are so small that eventually they close down.”
County public health officials recommend getting tested for whooping cough at the onset of symptoms, staying up to date on vaccinations and practicing good respiratory hygiene. County officials say these recommendations are especially important for people who are pregnant or have close contact with young children. Health officials say the disease is highly contagious and can be transmitted through the air when people cough or sneeze, and it usually starts with mild upper respiratory symptoms and can spread to seasonal allergies, colds, and other symptoms. It can sometimes resemble influenza. County health officials say prolonged coughing fits, along with a characteristic “whisking” sound that is often heard during inhalation, can lead to potential complications and serious illness if left untreated. The severity of the illness ranges from pneumonia and dehydration to seizures and brain damage. Lane County Public Health officials encourage parents to call 911 if they or their child have trouble breathing or turn blue or purple.
Whooping cough is easily transmitted through coughing and sneezing, so it’s important to cover your body.
Preventive hygiene measures include covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and staying home if you’re sick, according to the county. It is said to be included. Public health officials said those diagnosed should adhere to prescribed antibiotics and self-isolate until they are no longer contagious.
People who have not yet had whooping cough should receive a booster shot to prevent further spread. Luedtke said pertussis requires repeated vaccinations over a lifetime compared to other diseases.
“This happens because immunity wanes over time. This is because this bacteria is a tough bacterium, and waning immunity is an ongoing challenge,” Lutke said. said.
For more information, visit the county’s website. Website.
