The McDonough County Health Department is continuing to educate and share guidance with McDonough County residents about pertussis (whooping cough), a highly contagious respiratory illness. Additional cases have been reported in the West Prairie and Macomb School Districts. The McDonough County Health Department is working with the schools and local healthcare providers to provide education and guidance to prevent further spreading of illness.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reports that pertussis is widespread in communities and that those who are vaccinated experience mild illness but are still infectious while experiencing their cough if they are not treated with antibiotics. Pertussis is easily spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. The cough can last for weeks or months. Anyone can get pertussis, even those who are vaccinated, but being up to date with your vaccinations will result in milder infection. Pertussis can be very dangerous for infants who haven’t completed their vaccinations and people with weakened immune systems.
What should you do:
- If you have been directly notified that you or your child is a close contact to someone with pertussis you should contact your healthcare provider.
- If you or your child have a cough that worsens or has coughing spells that cause vomiting or difficulty catching breath, you should contact your healthcare provider.
- Individuals who have not been notified of exposure do not need to contact their healthcare provider.
- Individuals who have no pertussis symptoms do not need to contact their healthcare provider.
- Be sure that you and your children are up to date on pertussis vaccines. DTaP vaccines are given at 2,4,6 & 15 months; 4-5 years. Tdap vaccine is given at 11 years. Adults should get a Tdap every 10 years.
For more information about Pertussis visit: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/signs-symptoms.html
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the McDonough County Health Department
(309) 837-9951 or mchd@mchdept.com, Monday through Thursday 7:30am-5:00pm.
***Courtesy of the McDonough County Health Department***
