Press release from the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services:
Local
public health officials are stressing the importance of getting
vaccinated for pertussis and flu after seeing a recent increase in
cases.
Since
November 2024, 30 cases of pertussis have been diagnosed locally in
people between ages 3 and 70 years old, with most occurring in people
16 and younger.
The
highly contagious respiratory illness, also known as whooping cough,
typically begins with cold-like symptoms and sometimes a mild cough
or fever before progressing to severe coughing fits which can include
uncontrollable, violent coughing and can make it difficult to
breathe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). Babies with pertussis may not cough, but may gag and gasp
instead, as well as have a symptom known as “apnea,” which is a
pause in their breathing pattern.
The
whooping cough vaccine, known as DTaP, is a combination vaccine that
protects against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. The
three-dose series can be given to babies at 2, 4 and 6 months old
with two booster doses at 15 to 18 months and 4 to 6 years old.
According
to the CDC, pertussis is a cyclical bacterial infection that peaks
every three to five years. Immunity, whether from getting the vaccine
or from having the disease, typically wears off within five years,
leaving previously immune children susceptible again by adolescence.
A
booster shot is recommended for anyone over 11 years old who has not
yet received one.
The
illness can be especially dangerous for infants and young children
and pregnant people are encouraged to get vaccinated during
pregnancy, so they can pass on antibodies which help protect infants
from pertussis until they are old enough to be vaccinated.
Locally,
14 cases were reported in 2024 (eight of which were in the last two
months of the year), and only one was reported in 2023. The last
local outbreak was in 2019, where Humboldt County saw 12 cases
(including confirmed, suspected and probable cases).
Additionally,
local hospitals are noting an uptick in people coming into the
emergency department with the flu. In the past 10 days, they’re
reporting 20 to 30 cases a day. Health officials are encouraging
people to get their flu vaccine if they haven’t yet.For
additional information about pertussis, visit the California
Department of Public Health website,
talk to your medical provider or phone the Humboldt County Department
of Health & Human Services Communicable Disease Program at
707-268-2182. To make an appointment for a vaccine, contact your
health care provider or call the Public Health Clinic at
707-268-2108.
