Health officials investigating possible pertussis exposure in Wicomico County
The Wicomico County Health Department is investigating a possible exposure to pertussis, also known as "whooping cough" of children who went to a vacation bible school held July 10-14, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Salisbury.
Officials say that pertussis is a highly contagious illness that starts with mild, cold like symptoms including cough and runny nose. The first symptoms reportedly usually happen seven to ten days after a person is exposed. The cough usually gets worse over the following weeks and becomes spasmodic.
Officials say that the cough may be followed by a "whooping" sound. The spasms of cough may also be followed with a person throwing up. Some people with pertussis may have very mild symptoms (mild cough with no other symptoms) and may not realize that they are sick or contagious. Pertussis is worse in infants and can be fatal. Pertussis is spread through coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread by sharing food or utensils with someone who has pertussis.
Pertussis is treated with antibiotics. Children who take appropriate antibiotics are no longer contagious after the fifth day of treatment. Without antibiotic treatment though, a person with pertussis could reportedly be considered to be contagious and can spread the illness to others, for three weeks after the cough begins.
It is vital that sick children stay at home away from others especially infants and young children, while possibly contagious. Wicomico County Health Department is stressing the importance of making sure that family vaccinations are up-to-date. Pertussis vaccine is given to children in combination with diphtheria and tetanus vaccine (DTaP) in a five dose series and protects children against whooping cough. For adolescents, a Tdap booster is recommended at age 11-12 years old.
Parents are told to check with their health care provider to make sure that children's shots are up to date.
Parents who have children that went to the bible school should watch for symptoms of pertussis over the next several weeks. If any symptoms are identified, parents should call their child's primary care doctor along with the Wicomico County Health Department at 410-543-6943, as soon as possible.
