Press Release on Pertussis in Humboldt County

The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services has released a statement about pertussis, or whooping cough, which many might assume is a thing of the past. However, it remains a relevant issue, resurfacing every three to seven years in communities. Currently, Public Health Branch staff are monitoring reports of pertussis in Humboldt County, indicating a potential rise in cases.

If you were at particular locations in June, you might have been exposed:

• North Coast Nurture Center, 1807 Central Ave., McKinleyville
• Trumpet Behavioral Health, 901 O St., Suite C, Arcata
• Rainbow Dreamers in-home daycare, Fortuna
• Humboldt Senior Resource Center (Fortuna location), 3200 Newburg Road

For those who visited these sites and start showing mild cold-like symptoms, Public Health officials recommend reaching out to a healthcare provider. You may need antibiotics depending on the timing of your visit and when symptoms appear.

Dr. Candy Stockton, Humboldt County Health Officer, emphasized, “Early diagnosis and treatment with the right antibiotics can help limit the infection’s spread. They’re most effective when taken early.”

Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads through tiny droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Because initial symptoms resemble a common cold, it’s common for many to be unaware they have pertussis until after they’ve put others at risk.

After the first week or two of mild symptoms, severe coughing fits can kick in, sometimes lasting for weeks or months. These intense coughs can lead to vomiting, fractured ribs, exhaustion, and even trouble breathing.

While the iconic “whoop” sound following a cough is generally more noticeable in children, many adolescents and adults may not display it, making it trickier to identify. Vaccines, such as Tdap for adults and DTaP for kids, can lower the chance of contracting whooping cough and mitigate serious illness if infected. It’s important to keep in mind that both vaccination and past infections offer diminishing immunity over time. This means adults can get infected again, typically with milder symptoms, and potentially spread the illness to vulnerable groups like infants, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Staying current on recommended booster shots becomes crucial for protecting those around us.

Pertussis poses a particular threat to infants under 12 months. Babies are at the highest risk for complications since their immune systems are still maturing, and many have yet to complete their essential vaccination series. Severe complications can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage from oxygen deprivation, and, in extreme cases, death. Many infants with pertussis end up needing hospitalization for supportive care.

For more information about pertussis and vaccination options, visit the California Department of Public Health website, consult with your healthcare provider, or contact Humboldt County Public Health’s Communicable Disease Program at 707-268-2182.