Pertussis outbreak; over 200 treated

Grant County Health District staff are investigating three laboratory confirmed cases and 210 people that came into contact with ill individuals with whooping cough (pertussis) in Mattawa and Quincy. No one has been hospitalized. “We are responding to a cluster of whooping cough cases among migrant farm workers near Mattawa and Quincy. Because of a large number of exposed and ill individuals in a very well-defined area, we are considering this a local outbreak,” states Dr. Alexander Brzezny, Grant County Health Officer. He adds, “Preventing severe disease and death in infants is our highest priority.” More cases related to this location are likely.

In an effort to control the spread of the disease, Brzezny has recommended antibiotics for a defined number of individuals who have come into close contact, been housed with, or transported together with, the ill individuals. Antibiotics are not recommended for the general public. The highest priority is given to those who come into contact with children under 12 months of age, to pregnant women and those with certain lung conditions. A pertussis (Tdap) shot is recommended for all who are not up to date, especially those who work in, live in or have recently visited Mattawa or Quincy.

Between July 3 - 7, 2014, patients received antibiotics. Also, a pertussis (Tdap) shot will be offered to all the workers. The vaccine reduces the chance that a person will become sick with pertussis. Brzezny Brzezny Getting pertussis does not prevent one from possibly getting it again in the future.

“The farm where the workers are housed and the Mattawa Community Clinic have been extremely cooperative and responsive,” said Jeff Ketchel, health district administrator. Staff are contacting all 210 patients to ask about their health and where they have visited or worked. This information will be shared with neighboring public health agencies and used to decide if additional people should receive antibiotics.

Due to the increasing number of pertussis cases in Mattawa, anyone who is coughing or is concerned about potential exposure to pertussis is asked to contact a healthcare provider. A person with pertussis spreads the disease through coughing. It is very important that affected persons stay home and away from other people while waiting for their appointments, test results or for at least five days while taking antibiotics, when applicable.

Pertussis has become a common disease in the United States, with peaks in disease every three to five years and frequent outbreaks. In 2012, 48,277 cases of pertussis were reported — and many more cases go unreported. In June 2014, California declared a pertussis epidemic. In Grant County, there were 56 cases of pertussis in 2013 and 11 cases so far in 2014.

A typical case of pertussis starts 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. Unfortunately, young infants are less likely to have a notable cough – caregivers and health care providers should consider the possibility of pertussis in infants with coughs or colds to help in prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Brzezny reminds residents:

•Pertussis or “whooping cough” is a vaccine-preventable disease.

•Children may need up to five DTaP shots between two months of age and when they start school.

•Tdap shot is required for sixth grade school entry.

•Tdap is recommended for children 7-10 years old who are unvaccinated or under vaccinated for pertussis.

•Tdap shot is recommended for all adults who are not up to date and do not have contraindication to vaccine.

•Because immunity from pertussis shot or disease wears off, family members and caregivers of infants should make sure they are up to date with their pertussis vaccination.

•All pregnant women should get another Tdap vaccine at 27 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, regardless of prior vaccine.

•To protect babies, other family members should get the Tdap booster as soon as possible.

•All healthcare workers and childcare providers should be fully immunized for pertussis.

Hear what whooping cough sounds like: http://www.whoopingcough.net/Whoop-child-slightwhoop.wav

Washington State Department of Health: http://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/IllnessandDisease/WhoopingCough.aspx