Whooping cough pervades U.S. 93 corridor

The health departments of Flathead, Lake, Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribe and Missoula counties issued an alert Tuesday that pertusiss (whooping cough) continues to  spread along the U.S. 93 corridor.

In a press release, the departments reported 12 cases in Flathead County, 14 in Lake County and four in Missoula County. Many cases have been found in immunized school-aged children.

Although not 100 percent effective, pertussis vaccine remains the primary means of preventing the illness, according to health officials. A highly immunized population increases protection for each area.

To combat the disease, health officials try to identify cases early and  to provide preventative measures to people exposed to the disease. Patients with pertussis should not go to daycare, school, work or public gatherings until at least five days after starting a prescribed antibiotic.

To prevent illness, health officials say those in close contact with someone ill with pertussis should start treatment at the same time as the ill person.This is particularly important for young infants and other people at high risk for complications from the disease.

County health officers urge anyone with a cough lasting more than one week to consult their health care provider. Symptoms vary greatly depending on the patient’s age, vaccination status and stage of pertussis infection.

Infants and children with pertussis may cough violently and rapidly, over and over, until all air vacates their lungs, forcing them to inhale with a loud “whooping” sound. Extreme coughing can result in vomiting and exhaustion.

However, infants sometimes exhibit a mild or absent cough as well as a pause in breathing call apnea. Health officials say many infants are infected by a family member or caregiver who is not aware of their infection with pertussis.

Adolescents and adults generally have less severe symptoms, such as a nagging cough. Symptoms appear five to 10 days after exposure but remain up to three weeks.

Health officers ask anyone with suspicious symptoms to stay home and call his or her health provider since early treatment is important. They also urge residents to get vaccinated, especially parents, family members and caregivers of young infants.

For additional information about pertussis, contact Flathead City-County Health Department at 751-8101, Lake County Health Department at 260-6315 or Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribal Health Department at 883-5541.