Whopping Cough on the Rise in South Lake Tahoe and Rest of County

Whooping cough has made an alarming resurgence across the county this year, prompting health officials to call for booster shots for children and adults over the age of 11 as well as up to date immunizations for infants.

Local health officials have seen more than double the normal number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases this year. There have been six reported cases in South Lake Tahoe and four on the west slope of El Dorado County. Statewide there have been 3,458 cases since January 1.

Pertussis is a contagious respiratory tract infection, spread through coughs and sneezes. Symptoms typically start with a cough and runny nose for one to two weeks, followed by weeks to months of rapid coughing fits that sometimes end with a whooping sound. Pertussis is especially dangerous for unimmunized and incompletely immunized infants.

Babies and very young children (age six and under) can be protected against pertussis by completing the DTaP vaccine series of five shots, typically given at two, four, six and 15-18 months of age, with a booster dose at kindergarten entry. Adults and children over the age of 11 who previously completed their vaccination series can receive protection against pertussis with one dose of a booster vaccine called Tdap. Both the DTaP and Tdap vaccines can be found at most healthcare provider offices.

To prevent the spread of pertussis, it is recommended that:

* Pregnant women receive the pertussis vaccine booster during the third trimester of each pregnancy, even if they received it before. Immunity passes to the baby, providing some protection after birth and before the child can be vaccinated.
* Infants get vaccinated against pertussis as soon as possible. The first dose is routinely recommended at two months of age, but since pertussis is circulating in the community, infants can be vaccinated as young as six weeks of age.
* Adults receive the pertussis vaccine booster, especially if they have contact with infants or are healthcare workers in contact with infants or pregnant women.

The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Division is collaborating closely with local healthcare providers, including Barton Health and Marshall Medical Center, and advises individuals to consult with their healthcare provider to schedule a vaccination. The Public Health Division offers low-cost vaccinations for people who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover vaccines, and for children with Medi-Cal. To reach the Public Health Division call (530) 573-3155 in South Lake Tahoe.