Grand Canyon Times

There is a notable increase in pertussis cases across the United States, including Arizona. Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. While it affects people of all ages, infants and young children are particularly vulnerable.

This year, Arizona has reported 563 cases of whooping cough, marking the highest number since 2015. The Arizona Department of Health Services offers guidance on protecting against this infection.

“It’s likely that preventative actions used during the pandemic lowered transmission of this disease. The case numbers are now returning to pre-pandemic levels. It is important that we continue to use prevention methods to help mitigate its spread,” said Nicole Witt.

The symptoms of pertussis often begin with mild cold-like signs such as a runny nose and cough before progressing to severe coughing fits accompanied by a "whooping" sound. These fits can last for months and may be worse at night, sometimes leading to vomiting. Infants and young children might experience breathing difficulties instead of coughing.

Symptoms appear between 4-21 days after exposure to an infected person. Complications from pertussis can include pneumonia, seizures, middle ear infections, dehydration, encephalopathy or brain damage, and death.

Pertussis is most common among individuals who are not immunized or inadequately immunized and those with waning immunity. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. The CDC recommends vaccination for everyone.

“Children under the age of 7 are administered the DTaP vaccines, which contain full-strength doses of the anti-diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines. Older children, adolescents, and adults are given the Tdap vaccine as a booster. Both vaccines protect against pertussis,” said Dr. Joel Terriquez.

Infants face the highest risk for serious complications from whooping cough. For high-risk children, five doses of DTaP are recommended at specific intervals: first at 2 months old; second at 4 months; third at 6 months; fourth between 15-18 months; fifth between 4-6 years old.

Additional precautions include monitoring symptoms regularly in yourself and your children; staying home if sick and contacting healthcare providers; washing hands regularly with soap and water.

Vaccinations remain crucial in preventing pertussis infections. Recommended vaccines can be obtained from doctors' offices, pharmacies, health centers or local health departments without cost through programs like Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults for those eligible.