With 9 confirmed cases, recent incidences in schools and in the community, caregivers and individuals should stay informed if symptoms appear.
As of May 20, 2024, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has upgraded pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, to outbreak status following the confirmation of nine cases since late April. This includes three new cases reported on Monday. Among the recent cases are one at Lafayette High School, another at St. Peter and Paul Catholic School, and a community case involving an individual in their 80s.
All caregivers in central Kentucky are advised to remain vigilant for any signs or symptoms of pertussis and ensure that their children are either up to date on their vaccinations or have received the booster dose.1
Relevant to this demographic, teens and adults are not immune to the complications of whooping cough, such as pneumonia. However, compared to infants and young children, the risks are generally lower in this age group, particularly among those who have received the whooping cough vaccine.
Despite this, in severe cases, hospital care may be necessary if complications arise. Individuals of all ages need to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if symptoms become severe or concerning.
Sanofi Pasteur, the exclusive DT vaccine manufacturer in the United States until recently, ceased production of the vaccine in late 2022. As of now, there is no licensed DT vaccine available in the country. However, the current supply of the Td vaccine is deemed sufficient. It is expected that the rise in Td vaccine usage will be minimal, given the infrequency of developing a contraindication to pertussis-containing vaccines.2
Whooping cough, caused by bacteria, typically shows its first signs 5 to 10 days after exposure. However, symptoms might not manifest for up to 3 weeks. Initially, it resembles a common cold, making it hard for healthcare providers to diagnose early on. Early symptoms, lasting 1 to 2 weeks, include. 3
Later Symptoms come to light around 1 to 2 weeks after onset, severe symptoms may emerge, characterized by violent and uncontrolled coughing fits, known as paroxysms. These fits can persist for 1 to 6 weeks, sometimes longer. During coughing fits, individuals may:
People should seek medical attention if experiencing violent coughing or breathing difficulties, and promptly consult a healthcare provider. Seek immediate care if breathing becomes a concern.
