PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Montgomery County’s Office of Public Health is investigating an increase in whooping cough cases, primarily among high school students, a county spokesperson told CBS News Philadelphia on Monday.
It is unclear at this time how many cases have been identified at Montgomery County high schools that reported cases.
Montgomery County officials said the whooping cough vaccine, while effective, wears off over time for those who received the shot during childhood. Therefore, the majority of the cases they monitor are among high school students.
The province is reminding anyone who believes they have been exposed to whooping cough and is coughing to contact their healthcare provider.
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough, also called whooping cough, is a bacterial infection spread by respiratory droplets, according to the Montgomery County Office of Public Health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said symptoms typically develop within five to 10 days after coming into contact with the bacteria that causes the disease. However, in some cases, symptoms may not develop until three weeks after first contact with the bacteria.
Early symptoms are the same as cold symptoms. These symptoms can last one to two weeks and normally include nasal congestion, low-grade fever, mild cough, apnea and cyanosis, according to the CDC.
The second phase of whooping cough symptoms begins after the initial period of one to two weeks. The CDC said this is when rapid, violent coughs or attacks develop that can last anywhere from one to 10 weeks.
The attacks can cause people to make a high-pitched whooping sound at the end of the coughing fit, when they can finally breathe, to vomit, to feel more tired and to have difficulty breathing.
How can you prevent whooping cough?
Although immunity wanes over time, the whooping cough vaccination is an effective way to prevent respiratory infections that can lead to hospitalization and death.
According to the CDC, people who get whooping cough and are vaccinated have a shorter cough, fewer coughing fits, as well as vomiting.
Montgomery County officials are also advising people who live in areas where whooping cough is on the rise to confirm that their family’s vaccinations are up to date.
