First pertussis case confirmed in Taylor County
The Taylor County Health Department received notification of the first case of pertussis in Taylor County.
The health department is working with the patient and their provider to ensure appropriate treatment and follow up. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a serious respiratory illness. It is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe.
After coughing, someone with pertussis may need to take deep breaths that result in a “whooping” sound. Other symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and lowgrade fever. Pertussis can affect people of all ages, but it can be very serious and even deadly for babies less than 1 year old.
If you or someone you know has symptoms of pertussis, contact your healthcare provider especially if highrisk people are affected. People at high risk include babies less than 1 year old, people who have weakened immune systems, and people who are pregnant.
To prevent pertussis and other respiratory illnesses people should wash their hands often, cover their coughs, and stay home when they are sick or have a fever. Vaccines are available to help prevent pertussis at the Taylor County Health Department, your doctor’s office, and pharmacies.
It is still possible to get pertussis even if you are vaccinated, but symptoms are usually mild. For more information about pertussis, you can visit these resources:
• www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/pertussis. htm
• www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p0/ p00688.pdf
• www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.htm
