(Havre) – This respiratory illness season, Hill County has seen a rise in cases of pertussis. Director of the Hill County Health Department Kim Berg explains the symptoms of pertussis.
“Pertussis is also known as whooping cough. It comes on kind of with cold like symptoms the first one to two weeks and then you get a pretty aggressive cough that can lead to vomiting after coughing fits, and then the whoop sound as you’re trying to catch your breath.”
If you suspect someone in your family has pertussis, contact your healthcare provider.
What is Whooping Cough?
• Pertussis is a very contagious disease.
• It is caused by bacteria that attack the lungs and throat.
• It can affect people of any age, but it is one of the most dangerous diseases for babies and young
children.
How to Stop the Spread
The most important step is to get vaccinated against pertussis. The vaccine is given combined with shots for
diphtheria and tetanus (DTaP or Tdap).
Vaccination Schedule:
• Babies and Children (Birth through 6 years): They should receive the DTaP shot at 2, 4, and 6
months; again at 15–18 months; and finally at 4–6 years.
• Older Children (7–10 years): They need one Tdap shot if they did not complete the DTaP series.
• Teens (11–18 years): They should routinely get one Tdap shot.
• Adults (19 years and older): If you have never had a Tdap shot, get one now. This is especially
important if you are around infants.
• Pregnant Women: You should get a Tdap shot during every pregnancy (ideally between 27 and 36
weeks). This passes protection to your baby that will keep them safe in their first few months of life.
Symptoms to Watch For
Pertussis often starts like a mild cold:
• Sneezing and runny nose
• Mild cough and low-grade fever
After about two weeks, the cough becomes severe. The severe cough may:
• Involve many rapid coughs in a row.
• End with a high-pitched “whooping” sound.
• Cause thick, clear mucus to be coughed up.
• Be much worse at night, sometimes lasting for one or two months.
Note: People who have been vaccinated may only have milder symptoms.
Take Action
If your child has a cough, we recommend you keep them home from school or daycare. They should stay home
until a doctor confirms they do not have Whooping Cough.
Public health officials have already contacted people who were exposed to the confirmed case.
Need to check your shot record or have questions?
• Call the Hill County Health Department at 406-400-2415
• Email us at hchd@hillcounty.us
• Or call your regular doctor.
