Whooping Cough On Rise Throughout the U.S. This Winter
whooping cough photo provided compliments of amyvangsgard.com
A news story was published regarding an outbreak of the whooping cough which started in the pediatric ward of a childrens hospital in the boston area. A young baby was diagnosed with the whopping cough ailment initially and before long it was determined that the disease had spread among three dozen of the hospital's own employees.
Later tests which were done to substantiate the initial whooping cough lab results came up inconclusive. Those infected all showed the signs and symptoms typically associated with the whooping cough. The baby that initially tested positive for the upper respiratory infection with had a persistent cough, running nose, and sneezing. Health officials were baffled when the second round of tests came up showing no signs of the whooping cough virus which is commonly known as pertussis; and to be honest we were baffled too.
We were baffled because this winter our own toddler came down with the same symptoms and she had to be hospitalized. Even after she was released the symptoms still persisted. In our community we have come in contact with so many people that have complained of having a horrible cough that has lasted... not for days... not for weeks... but for up to an entire month!
Another ironic thing is that no one is calling this whooping cough... even more ironic to me is that this has not gotten more wide spread media attention. I find this very ironic given the severity of this disease and the toll that it can take on young infant babies. At times the cough can get so violent that it has the potential to shatter bones in the rib cage... this clearly is not a virus that should be left unchecked.
Students are being hit by this in some parts of the U.S. as well. In one Nevada community an entire high school has been rocked this winter by the whooping cough disease. Only four whooping cough cases were confirmed but half of the school kids did not come to school fearing an out break.
Typically babies will get the vaccine to prevent pertussis in 5 stages. The shot is given to the infants during there 2,4,6, and 15-18 months. The final shot will be given between the ages of 4-6. The challenge is that this vaccination only reduces the risk of getting the disease and it wears off once the child grows into their teenage years. There are some new vaccines that are coming on the market for teenagers and adults though.
If you want more information about the whooping cough we suggest that you check out this site on whooping cough http://www.whoopingcough.net/index.htm
Have you seen any symptoms of whooping cough in your community this winter? If so please give your experiences here... we'd really like to hear from you!