Whooping Cough on the Rise By Dawn Southern
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Photo By Brandi Helt
he Center for Disease Control says that “California is facing what may be the worse epidemic of whooping cough in 50 years.” Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that is easily spread through their coughing or sneezing. California had 34 cases reported in 2008. Last year it increased to 159 cases. Of the 910 reported cases this year in California, 274 cases were reported in Orange County as of Sept. 4. That number increased to 303 by Sept. 27. Media reports are keeping the outbreak in the spotlight and medical facilities are well stocked with the Tdap vaccine that will help prevent the spread of whooping cough. This is largely due to the infant deaths and large number of people being infected with the 100-day cough.. Symptoms will usually begin seven to 10 days after exposure. The beginning signs of whooping cough are a runny nose, mild cough, sneezing and sometimes a low grade fever. A couple weeks later the irritating dry cough is replaced by coughing spells that can last more than a minute. During the coughing spell the individual is unable to catch their breath and may turn red or purple. When the coughing spell subsides, a distinctive whooping sound may be heard when breathing in. Vomiting or broken ribs can occur due to the severity of the coughing. Coughing is worse at night. Whooping cough can last as long as 10 weeks. Anyone from infants to the elderly can get whooping cough. Young children and those who are not currently immunized are at the greatest risk.
Department and Center for Disease Control Prevention protocols.” Helena Doller, Psychology major, was not aware of the outbreak of whooping cough this year. She was not alone, this was common among the students. Three out of four Cypress College Students were unaware of the epidemic and were not sure if their Tdap was current when an informal poll was taken on campus. The informal poll also found that students were not aware that whooping cough could be passed along by an infected person coughing on the computers or desks at school. Doller said, “If I did not see them coughing on it I wouldn’t think about it.”
Whooping cough is a disease that’s preventable by vaccination. Infants are at greatest risk of catching whooping cough or dying due to the fact that they have not been fully immunized.
Angela Call, Nursing Major was unaware of what the signs and symptoms of whooping cough were and said, “I would move away from someone who kept coughing and coughing. People do that now, like, normally. Its gross.”
According to the recent information provided by the County of Orange Health Care Agency (HCA) “Adequate protection is usually not complete until after the first set of three shots, the last of which is routinely given at about six months of age. This is why it is important for those who are caring for infants get vaccinated.”
Pediatric student Sabrianne Puritt was aware of the epidemic and the signs and symptoms of whooping cough. She said her precautions are “Washing my hands regularly.If I saw a student coughing without covering their mouth I would speak up and hand them a napkin.”
Tdap protection is not a lifelong protection. Tdap protection from childhood immunizations wears off between the ages of 11 to 14. Unless adults have received a recent Tdap vaccine, they are no longer protected. The Orange County HCArecommends treating whooping cough early. Early treatment will include a two week round of antibiotics. Overthe-counter coughing medication will not be effective. Early antibiotic treatment can help to keep you from getting sicker and prevent you from spreading whooping cough. The Orange County HCA recommends that you “Stay home. Avoid contact with others until you have finished treatment.” According to the Cypress College Health Center’s Nancy Hennessey, RN, “Cypress College has 0 confirmed cases of whopping cough.” The Cypress College Health Center is not providing testing for whooping cough and does not have the Tdap vaccine available. There is no protocol at the moment and it has not been discussed according to a source at Cypress College. When asked what will be done if cases are seen on campus department chair John Sciacca said, “We will be following the Orange County Health
No student in the informal poll had any problem with Cypress College’s lack of protocol concerning whooping cough here at school. Journalism Professor Robert Mercer was asked what he would do if someone in one of his classes was coughing excessively he said “I would tell the student to do the vampire cough.” demonstrating it by coughing into his bent elbow. Coughing spreads whooping cough. Remind others around you to cover their mouths when they cough and wash your hands throughout the day. Most importantly protect yourself and your family by getting immunized before it is too late. County of Orange HCA informs that the Tdap “Vaccine is widely available from medical providers (including community clinics) throughout Orange County.” If your doctor does not have the vaccine, or your insurance will not cover it, you may obtain it for free from the Health Care Agency Immunization Clinic, 1725 W. 17th street, Santa Ana 92706 or for more or information on low or no cost health services in your area providing whooping cough vaccines call the Orange County Health Department at (800) 564-8448. D
October 2010
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