The ongoing whooping cough (pertussis) outbreak in Columbus and Franklin County is the worst in 25 years, reports Columbus Public Health.
In 2010, 964 cases of pertussis were reported in Columbus and Franklin County of which 620 have been counted (605 confirmed and 15 probable). For 2011 year-to-date, 133 cases of pertussis have been reported of which 89 are already counted (86 confirmed and 3 probable). For the same period last year, there were 89 cases reported of which 60 were counted (60 confirmed).
Babies are routinely vaccinated for pertussis. However, as children and adults age, immunity wanes. This is why public health officials recommend a dTap booster for teenagers and adults at least every 10 years.
Adults might not show symptoms of pertussis if infected, or might only have mild symptoms like those of a common cold. However, parents, grandparents, other family and caregivers can spread pertussis to a baby. In a baby, pertussis can lead to serious complications, hospitalization and even death.
For more information on protecting everyone in the family from this serious illness, visit Columbus Public Health.
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