Press release from Buncombe County Health and Human Services:
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is occurring throughout Buncombe County, with 11 confirmed pertussis cases during the month of May. Public health officials, schools and medical providers are actively monitoring and screening for symptomatic patients with suspected pertussis to help reduce exposure and spread of the illness to others.
As this infection is occurring throughout Buncombe County, it is important for everyone to understand that what they do matters. “We urge caregivers and individuals to understand that this is a very contagious infection and we all have a part to play in keeping our community’s health strong,” says Buncombe County Medical Director, Dr. Jennifer Mullendore. “By staying up-to-date on immunizations, you and your family can protect yourselves and vulnerable members of our community – infants, pregnant women and those who have weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions. A pertussis infection can be especially devastating and even deadly for these individuals which is why we must all pitch in to create a shield of protection with immunizations.”
There are specific steps that we can all take to help to stop the spread of this very contagious illness.
First, the best way to prevent or stop the spread of pertussis is through immunization. We encourage everyone – both children and adults—to be up to date on their pertussis immunizations. Pertussis immunizations are also highly recommended for infants, school-aged children, and pregnant women. You can get pertussis immunizations from your healthcare provider or from the BCHHS Immunization Clinic, located at 53 South French Broad Avenue in downtown Asheville (across the street from United Way). Our Immunization Clinic offers walk-in immunizations between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday; we ask that patients check-in by 4:30 p.m.)
Second, if you or your child have symptoms of pertussis – cough lasting for at least 2 weeks with either severe coughing fits, a high-pitched “whooping” sound when taking a breath, or vomiting after coughing fits—contact your health care provider to see if you have Pertussis. Anyone suspected or known to have pertussis should stay home from school, work, and all other group activities until they have finished 5 days of antibiotics. Staying home while sick stops the spread of illness.
Third, practicing good health habits, like frequent handwashing or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers and covering your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, can help prevent the spread of pertussis and other illnesses.
For more information on immunizations in Buncombe County, visit www.buncombecounty.org/immunize.
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