LIBERTY, NY — Sullivan County Department of Public Health would like to notify the public of an increase in cases of pertussis (whooping cough) identified in children of varying ages, with five (5) confirmed the week of August 7. 

“This is an important advisory, and comes during National Immunization Awareness Month,” said Director of Public Health Karen Holden. “This month reinforces why vaccines are important for people of all ages and how they can help prevent serious, sometimes deadly, diseases and illnesses.”

What Should I Do? 

If you or a loved one was exposed to pertussis, you should reach out to your healthcare provider for post-exposure treatment. This is especially true when you or your loved one are not up to date with all vaccinations, or if you are uncertain of your vaccination status.

After diagnosis, it is very important to complete all prescribed antibiotics before returning to work, school, or community functions, to reduce the spread of the disease to others. People who have or may have pertussis should stay away from young children, infants and all people with pre-existing health conditions that may be exacerbated by a pertussis infection (for example, immune-compromised persons and patients with moderate to severe medically treated asthma).

Pertussis can cause serious illness in babies, children, teens, and adults and can even be life-threatening, especially in babies. Approximately half of babies less than 1 year old who get pertussis need treatment in the hospital.

The most effective way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination with DTaP for babies and children and with Tdap for preteens, teens, and adults. Vaccination of pregnant women with Tdap is especially important to help protect their newborn. Vaccinated children and adults can become infected with and spread pertussis; however, the disease is typically much less serious in vaccinated people.