505-470-2290 Office
Whooping Cough Infections Identified in Lea County
Health Department working with schools and healthcare providers to investigate
Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is spread by coughing and sneezing while in close contact with others. Left untreated, whooping cough can spread from a single infected person for several weeks. The best way to avoid getting whooping cough is by getting vaccinated.
NMDOH encourages residents to get tested if they are experiencing signs and symptoms of pertussis. Symptoms of pertussis usually begin with cold symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, sore throat and usually little or no fever. After several days, the cough may become more severe; it may come in spasms or as a series of coughs without a chance to breathe between coughs. There may be a gasp or “whoop” and/or gagging or vomiting at the end of the coughing spasm. Those unvaccinated from whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics. Infants who get whooping cough can become very ill and may develop pneumonia or other serious complications.
“If your child is sick, please do not take your child to daycare or school. This will only spread the illness to other children and their families,” advises Lynn Gallagher, Secretary of Health. “If you think that your child may have whooping cough, please take your child to their healthcare provider to be evaluated, tested and treated.”
To help prevent the spread of whooping cough, the following good hygiene practices are recommended:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
- Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands, if you don’t have a tissue.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.
Please visit the Pertussis (Whooping Cough) web page to learn more.
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact Paul Rhien at 505-470-2290 (Office) with your questions.
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Identificadas infecciones por tos ferina en el condado de Lea