Whooping Cough in the United States: A Surge in Cases

Whooping Cough in the United States: A Surge in Cases

Whooping cough, aka pertussis, has been spreading rapidly in the United States this year.  According to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 32,000 cases have been reported this year till mid-December, which is almost 6 times more than the same time last year. . And even now there are no signs of it reducing.

According to CDC data, nearly a quarter of cases have come from the Midwest region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin). The highest number of cases have been reported in Pennsylvania. According to the CDC, whooping cough cases have peaked in every few years and the latest trends suggest that the US is once again returning to pre-pandemic levels.

What is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the lungs and airways. It’s caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria and is spread through the coughs and sneezes of an infected person.

How Doest it Spread?

This is an infectious disease that spreads from one person to another during coughing. Its infection is very mild in some people so much so that they themselves do not even notice it and during this time they keep infecting others.

Symptoms and Progression of whooping cough.

The symptoms of whooping cough start like the common cold like low grade fever, runny nose, Sneezing, it Starts with a tickly cough. Gradually this cough becomes severe and it can become so severe that after a week it becomes very painful. Too much coughing can take a toll on the old patient’s breasts. After a strong cough, a whooping sound starts to be heard along with the breath.

Whooping cough can be serious for people of all ages, but children younger than one year are more sensitive because their immune systems are still developing. This is even more dangerous for infants and young children who have not received their recommended vaccines.

Vaccination: The Key to Prevention

Vaccination is the best way to prevent whooping cough. The CDC recommends that children receive the DTaP vaccine and that teenagers and adults receive the TDaP vaccine. But vaccination rates among children are falling; Only 92% of kindergarteners have received their DTaP vaccine for the 2023-2024 school year, which is below the federal target of 95%. Thousands of school-going children have become vulnerable due to this face.

Treatment for whooping cough

Infection can be treated with antibiotics, but only if it is caught early enough. Once an exhausting and painful cough occurs, treatment is limited to comfort care only. To treat it, fluids are given and rest is advised.

Whooping cough can be treated with some herbal substances. There are some home remedies to treat this illness which can make you feel better in worst conditions. LEARN MORE ABOUT HOME REMEDIES

Steps to Protect Yourself and Others

As the US is entering the winter season, the activity level of respiratory illnesses is moderate. Surveillance data shows that Covid-19 levels have started to rise above low levels and flu levels are also falling. Because of which there is a need to take more precautions now. All these viral infections can be kept under control by social distancing. In case of flu like symptoms, you should immediately consult your family doctor and take appropriate measures so that your family and society can be protected from this infectious disease.