The McDonough County Health Department is urging residents to be aware of pertussis (whooping cough), a highly contagious respiratory illness, after a case was identified at West Prairie Jr/Sr High School. The McDonough County Health Department is working with West Prairie Jr/Sr High School and local healthcare providers to ensure appropriate actions are taken to further prevent the spread of this illness.
Pertussis is an infection that affects the airways and is easily spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. Its severe cough can last for weeks or months, sometimes leading to coughing fits and/or vomiting. Pertussis typically begins with cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose, low-grade fever and mild cough. Anyone can get pertussis, but it can be very dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems. Family members with pertussis, especially mothers, can spread pertussis to newborns.
If you develop symptoms of pertussis, contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you are exposed to pertussis, you should follow these guidelines.
- If you have a cough: Stay home from school, work, and other activities or events.
- Make an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible and tell them that you have been exposed to pertussis.
- If you have been told by a doctor that you have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor to prescribe antibiotics as soon as possible as a post-exposure prophylactic step to prevent pertussis, even if you are not currently coughing.
- If you have been exposed to pertussis and live with a woman who is pregnant, an infant younger than 12 months old or anyone with a weakened immune system, your healthcare provider should prescribe antibiotics even if you are not currently coughing.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has reported that pertussis rates are increasing so it is important to make sure your family’s vaccinations are up to date. Protection against pertussis from the vaccine decreases over time.
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***
