Jefferson County Health Department officials Monday released information alerting county residents of an increase in pertussis cases, also known as whooping cough.

According to the release, cases in Jefferson County have increased “over the past few months.”

“The Health Department continues working with each of these cases and their providers to ensure they are treated with appropriate antibiotics and to minimize any exposure they have to others in the community until they are no longer contagious,” the release read. 

As noted in the release, “Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, talking or other close contact. Early symptoms may be similar to the common cold: runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and mild occasional cough. Later symptoms can further develop such as uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe. After coughing, someone with pertussis may need to take deep breaths causing a “whooping” sound. Vomiting during or after coughing fits is also possible.”

Infected people who are not treated with appropriate antibiotics can spread the disease up to three weeks after the cough begins. Early treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms. The earlier someone starts treatment the better. If someone starts treatment during the first week or two before experiencing excessive coughing, later symptoms can be lessened, the release stated. 

While the disease can affect people of all ages, the release noted that pertussis can be very serious for pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and babies less than 1 year old.

Those considered high risk and experiencing symptoms, or who have been in close proximity to someone who is suspected to have contracted the disease,  are advised to contact their health provider to discuss early treatment/prevention options and testing.   

“With common cold-like and allergy-like symptoms, testing is the only way to know for sure if you or a loved one has pertussis,” the release read. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the releases continued, vaccination with DTaP and TDaP is the best way to prevent pertussis infection and lessen symptoms associated with the infection.

Individuals may learn if they are up to date on their vaccination that protect against pertussis by visiting the following website: Wisconsin Immunization Registry.

For more information about pertussis, contact the Jefferson County Health Department by phone: 920-674-7275 or email:  Health@JeffersonCountywi.gov.