Increase in Whooping Cough Cases in Curry County
Health Officials Encourage Families to Get Vaccinated
The New Mexico Department of Health announced today an increase in whooping cough cases in Curry County. Thirteen cases have been confirmed in Curry County residents this year, including seven school-aged children and two infants who were hospitalized. The current rate of whooping cough in Curry County is 25.5 cases per 100,000 compared to 7.6 per 100,000 for 2010 through 2014. Statewide, 149 probable and confirmed whooping cough cases have been reported in 2015, which is approximately half the number of cases reported at the same time last year.
“Whooping cough is very contagious and can cause serious cough illness―especially in infants too young to be fully vaccinated,” said Department of Health Secretary Retta Ward, MPH. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent whooping cough. When you get your flu shot, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you are up to date on your Tdap vaccination.”
Symptoms of infection may include coughing fits followed by a loud “whooping” sound. The coughing may be severe enough to cause vomiting. Infants, who may have minimal or no cough, sometimes show other symptoms such as apnea, where there is a pause in the child’s breathing pattern. Although, whooping cough can affect people of all ages, it can be particularly severe for infants. About half of babies younger than 1 year of age who get the disease are hospitalized.
The best way to protect against whooping cough is to get vaccinated. The New Mexico Department of Health recommends the following to help reduce the spread of whooping cough:
- All pregnant women should receive a Tdap booster ideally between the 27 and 36 week of each pregnancy.
- All infants and children should receive the primary series of pertussis vaccine, called DTaP, at 2, 4, 6 and 12-18 months of age.
- All children should receive a booster dose, called DTaP, prior to school entry at 4 to 6 years of age.
- Children between 7 and 10 years of age who are behind on whooping cough vaccine should get a Tdap.
- Children should receive a booster dose of Tdap at entry to middle school if they haven’t received one previously.
- Anyone caring for or spending time with an infant should receive a Tdap booster if they have not received one in the past, including people 65 and older.
- All healthcare personnel should receive a Tdap booster, as soon as feasible, if they have not received or are unsure if they have previously received a dose of Tdap.
New Mexicans can contact their health care provider or pharmacy to get vaccinated. Public health offices offer the vaccine to those without insurance. You can find more information in the Pertussis section of our website.
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We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact Kenny Vigil at 505-841-5871 (Office) or 505-470-2290 (Mobile) with your questions.
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