December 19, 2024
Media Contact: Brian Little, brian.little@vdh.virginia.gov
The Southside Health District Reports an Increase in Pertussis Cases
BOYDTON, Va.– The Southside Health District (SSHD) is monitoring an increase in reported cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough.
SSHD staff are collaborating closely with local healthcare providers to identify and treat potential cases. It is crucial for anyone who is ill to stay away from others to prevent the spread of this infectious disease.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by bacteria that spread through droplets released into the air via sneezing or coughing.
The illness often begins with symptoms that resemble a cold, such as a runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, and cough. Individuals are most contagious during the first two weeks when these cold-like symptoms are present and remain contagious for up to three weeks after the onset of the cough. If untreated, infected people may develop severe respiratory symptoms, including coughing fits that may lead to difficulty breathing, gagging, or vomiting, and a cough that concludes with a high-pitched “whooping” sound when trying to catch their breath.
Anyone showing symptoms of pertussis should seek medical evaluation and avoid public or group settings.
The best way to prevent the spread of pertussis is vaccination. Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine if an additional vaccine is necessary to protect against pertussis.
To help prevent the spread of pertussis, practice good hygiene:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not accessible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Do not share food, drinks, vaping products, or any items that have come into contact with someone else’s saliva.
- If you are ill, stay home.
If you have any questions or concerns about pertussis, please consult a primary healthcare provider. You may also contact the Mecklenburg County Health Department at 434-738-6815, or the district epidemiologist McKenna Luzynski at krysta.luzynski@vdh.virginia.gov.
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