Whooping Cough Cases in Illinois Are Higher Than Last Year, CDC Reports
Record-Breaking Numbers
As of the end of September, reported cases of whooping cough in Illinois are nearly five times higher than they were this time last year, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This surge in cases is causing concern among health experts and parents alike.
What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spikes in the fall alongside other diseases like RSV, the flu, and COVID-19. The bacterial infection initially presents as a standard cold for the first week or two, said Dr. David Nguyen, an internal medicine physician at Rush University Medical Center.
The Symptoms
As time goes on, the cough gets worse and can last for several weeks. The coughing fits tend to last for about five to 10 coughs and when the person catches their breath, the breath sounds like a whoop, Nguyen said.
The Vulnerable Population
Babies are especially vulnerable to whooping cough — one in three require hospitalization due to the disease, according to the CDC. “The real danger is in babies, especially young babies under 6 months. They have smaller lungs and less reserves so they might end up having complications and stop breathing,” said Nguyen, who also specializes in infectious diseases in kids.
The Risks
If the baby stops breathing, they’re at a serious risk for heart problems, Nguyen said. That’s when whooping cough can be fatal. The disease can also seriously affect kids, teens, and adults. It’s recommended adults get the Tdap vaccine booster every 10 years, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Pregnant people should also get the vaccine to boost their baby’s immune system and protect them in their first few months of life, Nguyen said.
Prevention is Key
For babies, the first dose of DTaP is given at two months and boosters are administered throughout childhood. The spike in cases is likely because kids and adults are not up to date on their vaccinations, Nguyen said. That could be because people are refusing vaccinations for themselves and their kids or because people skipped visits to their primary care doctor during COVID lockdowns.
Seeking Help
For both kids and adults with whooping cough, Nguyen recommends seeking medical help if the cough gets more severe and the person is struggling to breathe or throwing up because of the cough.
Conclusion
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging parents and adults to get vaccinated against whooping cough to prevent the spread of the disease. By getting vaccinated, we can protect ourselves and those around us from this potentially life-threatening disease.
FAQs
Q: What is whooping cough?
A: Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease.
Q: How many cases of whooping cough have been reported in Illinois this year?
A: As of Sept. 21, 1,058 cases of whooping cough have been reported in Illinois this year, according to CDC data.
Q: Who is most vulnerable to whooping cough?
A: Babies are especially vulnerable to whooping cough, especially those under 6 months.
Q: What can I do to prevent whooping cough?
A: Get vaccinated against whooping cough. Adults should get the Tdap vaccine booster every 10 years, and pregnant people should get the vaccine to boost their baby’s immune system.
