CDC REPORTS PERTUSSIS OUTBREAKS

CDC Reports Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Outbreaks Highest in U.S. in Over a Decade: Cases also on the Rise in Ocean County.

FACTS:

** In the first 8 months of 2024, the U.S. experienced 4 times as many cases of pertussis compared to the same period in 2023.

Approximately 14,700 cases have been recorded compared to the 2023 total of 3,475.

** In Ocean County, while the rise in cases is somewhat lower than the national average, it remains substantial, underscoring the need to remind residents of the serious risks posed by whooping cough and the important steps to protect themselves and our community.

** Approximately 14,700 cases have been recorded compared to the 2023 total of 3,475

** Numbers are also higher than pre-pandemic levels (2019).

** Pertussis complications are highest in infants under one year old. There’s also a potential danger to seniors and those with chronic ill health.

PREVENTION:

** Cocooning Strategy: Adults and older children often serve as the primary source of infection in households with young infants. (Even milder cases in older individuals can transmit the disease to susceptible infants, especially those who are not immunized.) Vaccinate close contact with newborns to create a protective barrier.

** Good hygiene: Wash hands often. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.

** Stay updated: Immunity wanes over time, so boosters are crucial.

** While many other diseases children are vaccinated against are decreasing in frequency, cases of whooping cough have increased since 1990. This is likely due to the lower effectiveness of older vaccines (due to the emergence of new strains of the bacteria that cause the disease); decreased protection from the immunity in adults and adolescents as the effect of the vaccine wears off; parents opting out of vaccinating their children; and increased reporting of whooping cough by doctors.

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Two types of combination vaccines include protection against whooping cough:

1. DTaP

2. Tdap

The letter “T” in DTaP and Tdap shows they also help protect against tetanus. The letter “D/d” in DTaP and Tdap shows they also help protect against diphtheria.

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For more info about getting vaccinated visit: https://www.ochd.org/infectious-disease-services/

To learn more about Pertussis visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/php/surveillance/index.html