From the Division of Public and Behavioral Health:
As of October 20, 2014, an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) in Elko County has been declared. According to data from the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Elko County has seen a rise in pertussis cases over recent years. As of October 27th, 2014, Elko County has had 14 cases of pertussis reported since July 2014. Controlling the spread of pertussis requires quick identification of cases and contacts prompt treatment of these individuals, and immunization of susceptible persons.
Whooping cough starts with the following symptoms: runny or stuffed-up nose, sneezing, mild cough, a pause in breathing in infants (apnea). Whooping cough spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. A person can spread the disease while he or she has cold-like symptoms and for at least 2 weeks after coughing starts.
Vaccination of persons who are not up-to-date for pertussis provides long- term protection. Getting your child the DTaP vaccine helps protect them against whooping cough. It also protects other people who can't get the vaccine—especially newborn babies, who can get very sick and die from whooping cough. Please make sure your family's vaccinations are up-to-date. Older children and adults, including pregnant women, should get a pertussis booster shot called “Tdap” to protect themselves and infants near or around them. If you need the Tdap vaccine, contact your doctor.
Early treatment of pertussis is very important. If treatment for pertussis is started early in the course of illness, during the first 1 to 2 weeks before coughing attacks occur, symptoms may be lessened.
Please contact Rural Community Health Services at 775.687.5162 (business hours) or 775.434.4358 (after hours) to report cases of pertussis in Elko County and other rural counties of Nevada.
For more information about the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, go to:
http://health.nv.gov.
From the Division of Public and Behavioral Health
