Nevada health officials say the Silver State has seen a rise in pertussis cases over recent years. As of last month, Nevada has had 60 cases of pertussis reported, more than this time last year, hinting towards another year of elevated pertussis cases in the state.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, starts with the following symptoms: runny or stuffed-up nose, sneezing, mild cough, and 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 two weeks after coughing starts.
Early treatment of pertussis is 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.
If you have any questions, call the Washoe County Health District at 775-328-2447 or if you live in the Carson City, Douglas, Lyon County area, call Carson City Health and Human Services at 775-887-2190. You can also go to http://health.nv.gov
(The Division of Public and Behavioral Health contributed to this report.)
