VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Clark County Public Health officials are warning parents to watch for the signs of whooping cough as students return to school next week.
There has been an increase in the number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases in the county, prompting the health department to remind families and individuals about the importance of staying current on their vaccinations.
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that spreads through the air by coughing. It usually begins with cold-like symptoms and a cough that worsens over one to two weeks. Symptoms may include coughing fits followed by a whooping noise, vomiting, or difficulty catching ones breath. The cough is often worse at night and cough medicines usually don't stop the cough.
Older children and adults may experience milder symptoms, but they are still contagious and can infect young children who are especially vulnerable to the disease. People with whooping cough do not usually develop a fever.
Pertussis vaccines (DTaP) are recommended for both children and adults as a way to reduce the chances of catching and spreading the disease.
The vaccine is available for young children beginning at two months old and a pertussis booster is strongly recommended for adolescents and adults aged 11-64.
