Increase in Whooping Cough Cases

Posted on: May 23, 2025

Lorain County Public Health has noted an increase in whooping cough (pertussis) cases. This bacterial infection affects the airways and spreads easily through coughing and sneezing.

What You Need to Know:

Serious risk: Pertussis can be very serious, especially for infants under one year old, pregnant individuals, and anyone with a weakened immune system or moderate/severe asthma.
Symptoms:
- Early symptoms (usually last 1-2 weeks) often resemble a common cold, including runny nose, low-grade fever, and a mild cough.
- Later symptoms (1-2 weeks after early symptoms) can progress to severe coughing fits, trouble breathing, vomiting, extreme tiredness, and sometimes a high-pitched "whooping" sound after a coughing fit.
- Important for babies: Babies and young children may not cough but might have difficulty breathing instead, or even stop breathing for short periods (apnea).
How it spreads: Pertussis spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing tiny droplets that can be breathed in. People with pertussis can be contagious for weeks, even with mild symptoms and even if they don't know they're infected. Babies often get pertussis from older siblings, parents, or caregivers who don't realize they have the illness.
When to act: If someone in your family is coughing a lot, has difficulty breathing, or develops a severe, persistent cough (especially one leading to gasping or vomiting), please contact a doctor for advice.

Protecting Your Family:

Everyday prevention: Wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you're sick.
Vaccination is key: The pertussis vaccine is the best way to help protect against severe illness and needing hospital care.
- For adults: The Tdap vaccine is recommended, especially for pregnant women and caregivers of young children.
- For babies: Infants can receive the DTaP vaccine series starting at 6 weeks old.
- Lorain County Public Health offers both the Tdap and DTaP vaccines. Call 440-284-3206, or visit LorainCountyHealth.com/vaccines.
Talk to a professional: We encourage you to talk to your doctor about how the vaccine can keep your family safe. You can also call Lorain County Public Health at 440-322-6367 to speak with a public health nurse or epidemiologist.