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Spartanburg County leads SC in Whooping cough cases, now on the rise; Greenville is second

Spartanburg County leads South Carolina with the highest number of cases, with 45 reported. Greenville County followed with 24 cases, and in Anderson County, 13 cases were reported.

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Cases of pertussis (also known as whooping cough) are on the rise in South Carolina this year, with high prevalence in the Upstate region.

As of July 30, there have been 183 cases of pertussis in the state, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health ― up from 147 cases during the same period the previous year.

What is pertussis?

Pertussis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria found throughout the globe. Prior to vaccine availability, it was one of the most common causes of childhood deaths, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Death rates have seen a significant decrease due to the vaccine, but communities can still expect to see cases of the disease each year because the bacteria remains widespread.


Who does pertussis commonly affect?

Infants and young children are the most vulnerable groups to be affected by pertussis.

How does whooping cough spread?

Pertussis is highly contagious and is spread from person to person through the air. Those who have the disease can infect others by sneezing or coughing, which releases small particles with the bacteria to others. Other people can then breathe in the bacteria.


What are early symptoms of pertussis?

  • Runny or stuffed-up nose

  • Low grade fever (less than 100.4 degrees)

  • Mild, occasional cough

What are later symptoms of pertussis?

  • Making a high-pitched "whoop" when inhaling after a coughing fit

  • Vomiting during or after coughing fits

  • Feeling very tired after the fit, but usually seem well in-between fits

  • Having difficulty sleeping at night

  • Struggling to breathe

  • Fracturing a rib


Prevention

According to the Mayo Clinic website

The best way to prevent whooping cough is with the pertussis vaccine. It's often given together with vaccines against two other serious diseases: diphtheria and tetanus. Healthcare professionals recommend starting vaccination during infancy.

The vaccine is a series of five shots. You might hear it called DTaP. It's most often given to children at these ages:

  • 2 months.

  • 4 months.

  • 6 months.

  • 15 to 18 months.

  • 4 to 6 years.

Vaccine side effects

Most often, side effects of the vaccine are mild. They may include a fever, crankiness, headache, fatigue or soreness at the site of the shot.

Booster shots

Booster shots strengthen the body's defenses against whooping cough. They help protect against whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus. You might hear your healthcare professional call your booster shot Tdap. It's recommended for the following people.

  • Pre-teens. Protection from the pertussis vaccine tends to fade by age 11. So, healthcare professionals recommend a shot of Tdap at 11 or 12 years old.

  • Pregnant women. Health experts now recommend getting a shot of Tdap between 27 and 36 weeks of each pregnancy. This also may give some protection to an infant during the first few months of life.

  • Adults. Sometimes, Tdap is given instead of a booster shot for tetanus and diphtheria. The tetanus and diphtheria booster shot is recommended for adults every 10 years. If you're due for that shot and you've never received Tdap before, your healthcare professional likely will give you Tdap instead. That's because Tdap protects against all three diseases. In general, adults who never received the Tdap booster shot can get one at any time. It's key to make sure you're up to date on your shots at least two weeks before you get close to a baby. The vaccine lowers your risk of spreading whooping cough to infants.

Preventive medications

If you or your infant has been exposed to someone with whooping cough, talk with your healthcare professional. Medicines called antibiotics may be recommended to protect against infection if you:

  • Are a healthcare professional.

  • Are pregnant.

  • Are younger than 12 months old.

  • Have a health condition that could put you at risk of serious illness or complications. This includes conditions such as a weakened immune system or asthma.

  • Live with someone who has whooping cough.

  • Live with someone who is at high risk of serious illness or complications from a whooping cough infection. This includes babies and pregnant women.


























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