WHOOPING COUGH CASES CONFIRMED IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY, HENDERSON EXCEEDS 100 CASES
Cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, are on the rise in Buncombe County, according to county health officials, and there are now more than 100 cases in Henderson County. The Buncombe County Public Health Department says as of May 29 it’s confirmed five cases of whooping cough since late April, and health department officials said all affected individuals have been children.
Rising Cases of Whooping Cough
Officials say there is no direct connection to any of the outbreaks occurring elsewhere in Western North Carolina and is likely related to community spread occurring in the region. Andrew Mundhenk, a spokesperson with the Henderson County Department of Public Health, said as of May 29, the county is up to 117 cases but that there have been no hospitalizations.
“We hope the end of the school year and kids spending more time outside will have a positive impact,” Mundhenk said. “At the same time, we can’t stop being vigilant about contact tracing and ensuring those in close contact with known cases receive preventative care and treatment.”
Protective Measures and Urgent Calls
Parents, guardians, and close contacts of the individuals are notified by letter and/or phone call when a case of pertussis is identified. Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) Public Health staff work to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to the infection.
Public health officials are urging residents and medical providers to take pertussis seriously, as it can spread quickly in schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings. Vaccination remains the best defense against whooping cough and can reduce the severity of the illness.
Protective Measures
Step 1: Get Immunized
The best defense against pertussis is vaccination. Infants and children should receive the DTaP vaccine starting at two months old. Family members, caregivers, and the community should also get vaccinated. Preteens, teens, and adults should receive a Tdap booster shot as recommended by the CDC. Pregnant individuals should get a Tdap booster during their third trimester of each pregnancy.
Step 2: Practice Good Health Habits
Staying home when sick, frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizers, and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing can help prevent the spread of pertussis and other illnesses.
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention for Pertussis Symptoms
Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent pertussis from spreading. Anyone with symptoms should stay home and consult a healthcare provider.
Community Awareness and Response
Pertussis, an infection that affects the upper airways, spreads easily through coughing or sneezing. It can affect anyone but is especially dangerous for babies. Health officials emphasize that nearly half of infants under 1-year-old who get pertussis end up in the hospital.
With the community spread of whooping cough in the region and multiple confirmed cases now in Buncombe County, officials urge individuals and families to protect themselves by staying updated on vaccinations and practicing good health habits.
Human Services Public Health staff members continue contact tracing and notifying those who may have been exposed to the infection. The focus remains on preventing further spread of whooping cough in the community.
Conclusion
As the number of whooping cough cases rises in Buncombe County and Henderson County, health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination, good health habits, and seeking medical attention for symptoms. Protecting vulnerable populations, especially infants, is crucial in preventing the spread of this highly contagious infection. Stay informed, stay safe, and take necessary precautions to safeguard yourself and your community against pertussis.
