Health officials warn about whooping cough Published Sept. 21, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Kristen Ramon 20th Medical Group SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- In June 2010 the United States Center for Disease Control announced that there has been a rise in whooping cough cases in South Carolina. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, affects the respiratory system. The 20th Medical Group laboratory recently identified a positive pertussis test here. With the CDC announcement of an elevation in pertussis cases in June 2010, and a total of 42 identified cases in the Sumter, Kershaw, Richland counties, Shaw medics are reminding and encouraging all parents to ensure that their children received the DTap vaccination. Also, they note, people experiencing the symptoms listed below should make an appointment to see their doctor for evaluation and treatment. Signs and symptoms of pertussis are: runny nose, sneezing, red or watery eyes, low fever dry cough. However, in one to two weeks after these symptoms appear the cough becomes more severe. The cough can develop into a hacking cough or coughing spasm that is followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like a "whoop." In some cases the coughing spasm can be so severe that the individual may vomit and have stomach aches. Whooping cough can last up to six weeks and if untreated, a person is contagious for 21 days after the start of the cough. People who receive antibiotic treatment are no longer infectious after five days of being on the medication. It is possible to catch whooping cough more than once. If one family member has whooping cough, all members of the family should receive antibiotics. The best defense against whooping cough is for children to receive the DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) and Tdap (booster) vaccine. Children and adults should receive this vaccine on the following schedule: · 2 months; · 4 months; · 6 months; · 15 to 18 months; · when starting elementary school (4 to 6 years old); · A booster Tdap shot is recommended for children 11 to 12 years old; teenagers and adults who did not get Tdap as a pre-teen (before the age of 11 years old); new mothers not previously vaccinated with Tdap (given before leaving the hospital or birthing center even if the mother is breastfeeding); family members and adults in close contact with infants and healthcare personnel in hospitals and ambulatory care settings having direct patient contact who did not previously receive Tdap. · The CDC notes: "Neither inactivated nor live vaccines administered to a lactating woman affect the safety of breast-feeding for mothers or infants. Breast-feeding does not adversely affect immunization and is not a contraindication for any vaccine, with the exception of smallpox vaccine." Remember to pick up and wear a face mask when you enter the medical facility so that we can prevent the spread of germs. DTaP and Tdap booster vaccinations are available to eligible beneficiaries at the Shaw immunizations clinic from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. (The immunizations clinic is closed the third Friday of every month at noon.) If your child is enrolled in the Shaw pediatric clinic and you would like to know if your child is current on their DTap vaccination, call 895-2273, and select pediatric clinic option. Remember the best defense against sickness is to wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. Whooping cough is spread through the air; so, cover the mouth when coughing and stay away from others. The South Carolina Department of Health advisory reported: June 8, 2010: First 20 weeks of 2010, 81 confirmed cases of pertussis (51 percent of the whooping cough cases occurred in children under six). July 6, 2010: 169 reported whooping cough cases (80 percent of the cases were in children less than 19 years of age); 55 cases were in children less than 12 months old. For more information go to www.scdhec.gov .