Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, February 27, 2018
(DAVIESS CO.) - Whooping cough cases in Daviess County has doubled from last year’s numbers.
"We usually only have one to two cases a year," Daviess County Public Health Nurse Kathy Sullender told the Washington Times Herald.
This year there have been four. According to Sullender, three of the four cases had not received the pertussis vaccination.
Pertussis is an upper respiratory infection that causes swelling in the airways. Infants already have small airways and any swelling can be life threatening.
According to the Indiana State Department of Health, pertussis is a disease caused by bacteria that can cause coughing fits that can cause breathing problems. Pertussis can also lead to pneumonia, seizures and sometimes death.
The disease is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Those less than 1 year of age are the most affected. Anyone with breathing problems, like asthma, is also at a higher risk.
The state requires children to get five different shots to fight pertussis before they enter public school. If students go to a private school or are home schooled they might not be required to receive the same shots as public school students.
Another reason some might forgo getting the vaccination is those who medically cannot have the shot or those who may have a religious exemption.
A new recommendation states that every pregnant woman should receive a booster shot.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that women get the shot during the 27th through 36th week of pregnancy. This creates antibodies and the mother can pass some of them off to the unborn child to help protect them until they can get their first shot at two months.
For questions about any vaccine or to schedule shots, call the Daviess County Health Department at (812) 254-8666.
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