Deschutes County Public Health confirms four local cases of pertussis

Deschutes County Public Health has confirmed four cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in the community, one in an adult and three in high school students (two at Summit High School and one at Bend High School). 

Pertussis can be a serious illness and is one of the most commonly occurring vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States. Infants and medically fragile children are at the highest risk of serious illness and, in rare cases, death.

The best defense against pertussis is a well-immunized community. DTaP and Tdap vaccines are readily available through your local health care provider and many pharmacies. Deschutes County Health Services also offers vaccinations, please call (541) 322-7400 to make an appointment.

Initial symptoms of pertussis in older children and adults are similar to those of a cold, and commonly include a runny nose, sneezing and a severe cough.

Over the course of a few days, the cough will usually worsen and can be followed by spasms and occasionally vomiting. Infants commonly demonstrate more severe symptoms, which may include:

• Gagging
• Gasping
• And a whooping sound when coughing

Anyone with symptoms similar to those described above should seek a medical evaluation to rule out pertussis.  If pertussis is suspected and antibiotics are prescribed, you should not attend school or work until you have completed a minimum of five days of the prescribed medication.