health services

Information for families about Whooping Cough

Cases of whooping cough are on the rise in some communities in Pierce County. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is providing information to the public about whooping cough, known by medical providers as pertussis. This is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes coughing and choking, especially in young children.

Symptoms

• Start out like the common cold—runny nose, low fever, mild cough;
• Progress to severe coughing that may lead to vomiting; and/or
• A "whooping" sound when inhaling after coughing.

When to seek care
Anyone with a cough that lasts more than two weeks or with severe uncontrollable coughing followed by vomiting.

Treatment
People infected with whooping cough are treated with antibiotics and cannot return to work, school, day care, etc. until they have been treated for at least five days.
Antibiotics may also be given as a precaution to members of the infected person's household. Exposed pregnant women, infants under one year of age and healthcare workers should also be treated with antibiotics.

Vaccination

• Immunization is the best protection against whooping cough and are about 80 to 85 percent effective;
• The DtaP and DTP vaccine help protect against whooping cough;
• Children younger than seven-years-old should get five doses of vaccine at ages two-, four- and six-months; 15-18 months and four to six years;
• A Tdap booster is recommended at ages 10-11 years; and
• Adults, especially those who have contact with infants, should also receive a booster vaccination.

For more information, or to locate vaccination sites, call the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department at 253-798-6410 (press "0" to speak with the operator) or visit www.tpchd.org.

Pertussis Fact Sheet

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