Whopping cough cases rise in Buncombe County

Release from Buncombe County...

Buncombe County has seen a significant increase in the number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases since August. Between August 1 and November 16, 2010 the Department of Health has received reports of 40 cases of pertussis, bringing the total to 44 cases for the year. This is more than four times the number of cases seen in the county last year. Many of these cases have been in school-aged children.

Pertussis is most serious for young infants under 6 months of age. For them, getting pertussis can mean the possibility of pneumonia and even death. Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable disease, meaning that it can often be prevented by receiving a vaccine. It is important that everyone be vaccinated to reduce the spread and risk of the illness, especially those around infants.

Tdap, the vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, can prevent a majority of cases of pertussis, but not everyone is vaccinated. This leads to a few cases of the illness every year. Buncombe County has the highest number of families in North Carolina claiming a religious exemption and not vaccinating their children. As we have more cases of the illness, more residents in our community are at risk of exposure and more will become sick. It is important to understand that anyone exposed to pertussis needs to receive antibiotic treatment to prevent the disease. If someone begins to show symptoms of pertussis, it is important that that person stay home for 5 days. Stronger control measures may be implemented by the Health Director including exclusion of an unvaccinated child from school for 21 days.

The Tdap vaccine is recommended for all children over 12 years of age as well as for adults, especially those who are in close contact with infants or older adults. Mission Hospital now provides Tdap for all new mothers who deliver there, and fathers and grandparents are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine from their doctor or the Department of Health at 35 Woodfin Street.

Anyone who experiences the symptoms of pertussis should stay at home and contact their doctor. Symptoms of pertussis may include:

Cold-like symptoms (runny nose, sneezing)
Cough that may have a “whoop” sound
Coughing until you vomit

Please help us stop the spread of pertussis by getting vaccinated. Protect yourself so you can protect others.


For more information about pertussis please go to www.cdc.gov or www.chop.edu