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Health Advisory on Pertussis
Epidemiology Program
Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough, is a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable and easily treatable disease. It is particularly harmful to young children and it causes violent, repeated coughing which makes normal breathing difficult. When they breathe in, the forced inhalation causes a pronounced "whooping" sound. Adults and adolescents also are susceptible to Pertussis -- with milder symptoms -- and can transmit the disease to child family members who either never started or did not complete the series of vaccinations.
The seriousness and potential spread of this bacteria-caused disease has prompted the Duval County Health Department to issue a health advisory on Pertussis. We issued the advisory after the number of reported cases of the disease in 2003 rose above the annual average.
Under the advisory, we urge physicians to watch for symptoms of the disease and test for suspected cases of Pertussis so it may be treated properly. We request that physicians and parents work together to ensure that all infants and children are properly vaccinated.
Vaccinations
are available at the Immunization Center without an appointment.
5322 North Pearl Street
(904) 253-1420
The Immunization Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday on a drop in basis. Vaccinations are available by appointment at our other comprehensive care centers and clinics.
What is Pertussis?
Pertussis is a fairly
common disease caused by bacteria called Bordetella Pertussis. It is
prevalent in our environment and thrives in mouths, noses and throats of
infected people. The disease is very contagious and is spread by close
contact by coughing, sneezing or poor hand washing hygiene.
At one time, Pertussis was the most common childhood disease and a major cause of death among children in the United States. But the availability of vaccines, effective immunization programs and antibiotics have reduced the number of cases by 99 percent. It remains a major cause of death in world populations that are not immunized.
It is a lingering disease. Symptoms usually appear seven and ten days from a person's first exposure to the bacteria. Pertussis is a mild upper respiratory infection, with symptoms similar to those of a common cold. These symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, fever and a mild cough. After one or two weeks, the person is plagued by severe coughing spells. The severe cough can last between one and six weeks. In the final stages, a person takes between two and three weeks to recover.
The period in which the disease is most contagious stretches from about a week after exposure, and this is generally when severe coughing begins.
Pertussis is most severe in infants less than one year old and those with underdeveloped immune systems. It can cause children to vomit and have difficulty eating, drinking and breathing. In fact, some children can turn blue from a lack of air.
If untreated, the disease can result in serious long-term complications such as pneumonia, seizures and encephalopathy.
Duval County Health Department
Main Office
515 W. 6th Street
Jacksonville, FL 32206
253-1000
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