WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) — The Washtenaw County Health Department had reported 21 cases of whooping cough this year as of June, an increase from the previous three years, according to a report released Thursday.
The last report released was in 2019, with a total of 82 cases. The province did not release figures in 2020-2023 because there were not enough cases to prepare reports. Health officials said the province was reporting 50 to 100 cases before COVID-19.
“Whooping cough unfortunately appears to be returning,” Laura Bauman, the health department’s epidemiology program manager, said in a statement. “It is important for us to identify and treat cases as quickly as possible because illness from whooping cough can be serious, especially for infants.”
Officials said this year’s cases are among teens and young adults. No hospital admissions have been reported. The infection can spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
What are the symptoms?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the first symptoms appear about five to 10 days after exposure. Those symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, a low-grade fever of less than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, and occasionally a mild cough.
One to two weeks after the first symptoms, infected people may experience coughing fits, make a high-pitched noise when breathing in, vomit during or after the coughing fits, have difficulty sleeping, have difficulty breathing, break a rib or feel tired.
What about vaccines?
The Washtenaw County Health Department said there are two vaccines to help prevent whooping cough.
The DTap vaccine is recommended for children from 2 months old. A booster injection is given between the ages of 4 and 6 years. The Tdap vaccine is intended for teenagers and adults aged 11 to 12 years. Subsequently, a booster is recommended every 10 years.
