Pertussis cases diagnosed in Durango

”

DURANGO, Colo. – A four month old baby, a five year old child and one adult have all been diagnosed with pertussis, also known as whooping cough, according to the San Juan Basin Health Department.

All victims are Durango residents, and a risk that other residents may have been exposed does exist, especially given the many holiday gatherings occurring this time of year.

Pertussis is a contagious illness that spreads when an infected person sneezes or coughs and another individual breathes in the bacteria. Symptoms usually develop 7 to 10 days after exposure but can develop from 4 to 21 days after exposure. The disease begins with a cough that progressively becomes more severe until the person develops coughing fits. In between coughing fits, the individual may look and feel fine. Vomiting, breathlessness, a change in facial color, and/or a whooping sound may follow the coughing fits. Those experiencing any of these symptoms should call their physician.

Pertussis may be very severe in infants and young children (especially those without the three typical childhood doses of pertussis vaccine known as DTaP), resulting in hospitalization, seizures, long-term neurological problems, and even death. Pertussis can occur in immunized individuals, because the immunity gained from vaccination typically wanes by adolescence.  

San Juan Basin Health Department recommends a review of immunization records for all children, adolescents and adults in a household to ensure up-to-date DTaP/Tdap shots. The DTaP/Tdap is a combination of vaccinations that protect against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis.  DTaP vaccine is administered to children less than 7 years of age. A typical child would get doses at 2, 4 and 6 months and between 15-18 months and then a booster between 4-6 years old.  A single dose of Tdap vaccine is recommended for persons 11 to 64 years of age. 

To schedule an immunization appointment, call 247.5702.

# # #

”