Whooping cough outbreak reported in Calhoun County

Calhoun County is in the midst of a whooping cough outbreak, according to public health department officials.

County health officials have confirmed five cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, one possible case due to close contact and a seventh possible case outside of a household that did not involve close contact.

"As the school year ends, the Health Department wants to alert all individuals, especially those who have had close contact to a person diagnosed with pertussis, to seek medical attention if a severe cough occurs that includes the periods of violent coughing episodes, coughing so hard you vomit afterwards or lose your breath, or hear a 'whooping' sound as you try to catch your breath," said Calhoun County Public Health Department Medical Director Dr. William Nettleton said in a statement.

"Persons who have these symptoms should stay out of the public and away from pregnant women and infants," he added. "This disease can be easily spread in public gatherings such graduation parties or summer family reunions."

The seventh case was the cause for most concern because it occurred outside of a household and did not involve close contact, Nettleton said.

"Again, it's difficult to identify these types of outbreaks, but we want the folks in the community to be aware of these symptoms given the cases that we've had and to talk to your doctor and also check yourself and your child's vaccination status."

Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial disease that affects the respiratory tract. It can infect people of all ages but is more severe in young infants and children who have not been immunized. Older children, teens, and adults may have milder symptoms.

The bacteria are spread through the air when another person breathes in the droplets from the infected person’s nose, throat, or mouth during coughing, sneezing or talking.

The disease can be prevented by getting vaccinated with a pertussis-containing vaccine.

All pregnant women should get vaccinated in the third trimester of every pregnancy in order to provide some protection to the baby from the whooping cough in the first months after birth.

Any adult who has never been vaccinated with a whooping cough vaccination should receive the vaccination prior to being around infants to protect more vulnerable babies and children, Nettleton said.

"We're also more careful with pregnant women because they give birth and the baby is more vulnerable to whooping cough in the first two months of life," he said.

Contact Battle Creek Enquirer reporter Noe Hernandez at 269-966-0684 or nhernandez@battlecreekenquirer.com.