Cases of whooping cough, also known as Bordetella pertussis, are on the rise in Wisconsin.  As of 9/30/2024, since the beginning of the year, at least 2/3 of the counties in Wisconsin have reported at least one case.  The highest percentages of these cases are in the age group of 11-18 years (Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 2024).  Whooping cough is a very contagious bacterial respiratory illness, notably starts like the common cold, and then the coughing progresses over weeks to months.  This infection can be treated with antibiotics, and early treatment is encouraged (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024).

Several risk factors exist that may be a reason to increase the chances of an individual getting the illness: (1) Age – infants under the age of 1 as well as the elderly population and (2) Pre-existing Medical Conditions – such as immunocompromising conditions or asthma.  The spread of the bacteria occurs from person-to-person transmission via air particles.  The contagiousness of the illness can last for weeks, which is why it is considered highly contagious.  After the initial common cold symptoms, people may develop something called paroxysms.  These are coughing fits.  The cough can last up to 10 weeks, but typically improve by 6 weeks. 

The best prevention is through vaccination. Those vaccinated may not get as sick. dTap is given to children up until age 6, and then Tdap boosters are given during adolescents, and once during an adult lifetime.  Post-exposure prophylaxis may require additional boosters.  Pregnant women may also get this during their 27-36th weeks of pregnancy.  Additionally, good hand washing and covering any cough helps prevent the spread.  It is also important to note, that vaccination and natural immunity, does not prevent re-infection or provide lifelong immunity (CDC, 2024).

If you have been exposed to pertussis, you should contact your healthcare provider to see if you are a candidate for post-exposure prophylaxis. 

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024, April 2). About whooping cough. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/index.html

Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2024, September 30). Immunizations: Whooping Cough (Pertussis). Retrieved from https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/pertussis.htm