( KMZA )-- Kansas has seen an increase of pertussis cases, also known as whooping cough, this year.
As of Sept. 4th, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says 216 confirmed cases of pertussis have been reported so far this year in 21 Kansas counties. Only 52 confirmed cases were reported in all of last year.
Locally, Nemaha County has had 17 of the confirmed cases of pertussis this year, with the most recent cases occurring in August.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory illness spread by coughing and sneezing. It affects people of all ages but is most serious for infants, especially those too young to be vaccinated or who are not fully protected. It causes cold-like symptoms followed by a long, severe cough that can last for weeks. Adolescents and adults often have a milder disease, but can still spread it.
Nemaha County Community Health Services Administrator Jane Sunderland says
vaccination is an effective way to prevent the spread of pertussis. Pertussis vaccines are recommended for all children and adults.
The pertussis vaccine is given in combination with diphtheria and tetanus vaccines, called DTaP, and is recommended for children age 2 months through 6 years old. A pertussis vaccine for adolescents and adults, called Tdap, is recommended as a one-time booster.
Sunderland encourages everyone to check with their health care provider on their vaccination status and to get vaccinated if they are not currently vaccinated against pertussis.
She says it’s especially important for anyone who has close contact with babies younger than 12 months to get a dose of Tdap to help protect the baby from whooping cough. Through the Infant Caregiver Project, NCCHS has an additional supply of Tdap vaccine available for any adult 19 years or older who cares for or has close contact with infants or children less than 6 years of age.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Nemaha County Community Health Services in Sabetha at 785-284-2152.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Atchison apt fire claim's toddler's life, injures others
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Wetmore man arrested on child sex-related charge
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Walnut Township Treasurer removed; votes unofficial until canvass
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
TX man to stand trial on charges in fatal Jackson Co crash
Local judge files for re-election
KS replacement plates see long wait times
LATEST STORIES
Falls city Council hears updates on grant programs
Work underway to draft new Missouri River management plan
Resurfacing project begins on K-9 in Marshall Co
Doniphan Co Commissioner files for re-election
Seneca Chamber receives Main Street designation
Walnut Township Treasurer removed; votes unofficial until canvass
Nebraska approved for Summer EBT program