Central Wisconsin Seeing a Large Increase in Whooping Cough Cases

Wednesday, September 25th, 2024 -- 2:00 PM

Central Wisconsin is seeing a large increase in Pertussis, or Whooping Cough, cases.

I spoke with Kelsey Wussow, Lead Public Health Nurse with the Clark County Health Department, and she discussed Pertussis further, how to protect yourself, and more.

Listen to my interview with Kelsey here!

Health officials have explained that one possible reason the disease is so bad this year is because it’s cyclical, with one year of higher cases followed by several years with lower numbers. COVID interrupted the normal schedule with social distancing, masking and similar precautions being taken by many people. This is now a high year in the cycle.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness, which leads to severe coughing spells, which sometimes ends in a “whooping” sound. The illness typically starts with mild cold- like symptoms, then progresses into a serious cough that can last several months.

Coughing episodes can cause difficulty breathing, gagging, or vomiting. As of September 13, 2024, Wisconsin has confirmed 625 cases statewide, compared to a total of 51 cases last year. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against pertussis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive 5 doses of DTaP before the age of 5, with a Tdap booster at age 11. Adults should receive a Tdap booster every 10 years, and pregnant women should receive a dose during the third trimester of each pregnancy.

Infants too young to be fully vaccinated are at highest risk of complications from pertussis. In fact, about half of babies younger than age 1 who get pertussis, are hospitalized. Newborn infants are best protected from pertussis when the mother is vaccinated during pregnancy.

Other people who will have close contact with infants, such as child care providers, should also consider keeping up to date with their Tdap vaccine,
to protect infants from the illness.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call your primary healthcare provider or speak with a nurse at the Clark County Health Department by calling our Immunization Hotline at (715) 743-5292. Again, (715) 743-5292.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.