Lane County Public Health (LCPH) has declared a community-wide pertussis outbreak due to a surge in cases surpassing typical community, regional, or seasonal expectations. In the last 7 days, the number of presumptive and confirmed cases has doubled, putting the total number of cases at nearly 40, with more awaiting lab results. While some of the cases are linked, there are sporadic cases scattered throughout the area indicating community spread. So far in 2024, there have been 120 cases statewide in Oregon, as compared to 17 at this time last year. LCPH emphasizes the urgency for the community to implement precautionary measures to mitigate further spread of this highly contagious respiratory infection.
Recognizing the severity of pertussis, especially for vulnerable populations such as infants, pregnant people, young children, and individuals with underlying medical conditions, LCPH emphasizes the importance of getting tested at the earliest onset of symptoms, staying up to date with pertussis vaccinations, and practicing good respiratory hygiene. This is especially crucial for pregnant people and those in close contact with young children.
Symptoms also include prolonged coughing fits, often accompanied by a distinctive “whoop” sound during inhalation, gagging or vomiting while coughing, and exhaustion. Complications, if left untreated, especially in infants, can be severe and include pneumonia, dehydration, seizures, and even brain damage.
“There are not yet known cases of pertussis at LCC (Lane Community College) but given the outbreak with community spread,” says Laura Greene, FNP, “the LCC Health Clinic is encouraging students to make sure they are up-to-date on their Tdap vaccinations, get tested for pertussis if they have symptoms, and practice respiratory hygiene.”
Whooping cough is a very contagious respiratory illness. It mainly affects babies and young children, but adults can also get it. It starts like the common cold with a runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and sometimes a mild cough or fever. This is often followed by severe coughing. The coughing spells end with a whooping sound as air is breathed in.
Whooping cough can last up to 10 weeks. It can lead to pneumonia and other complications. People of all ages can get whooping cough. But it particularly strikes people who have not been vaccinated against it.
Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or your child is struggling to breathe, or turning blue/purple. To prevent spreading Pertussis: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, Stay home when you are sick.
In the event of a pertussis diagnosis, adherence to prescribed antibiotics and isolation from others until you are no longer infectious is crucial. Individuals can transmit the bacteria from the onset of symptoms for up to three weeks after coughing fits begin.
For more information about pertussis prevention and treatment, visit the LCPH website, at http://www.lanecountyor.gov/publichealth
