County health officials have issued a warning about the respiratory illness as pertussis cases spike in Suffolk.
There are currently 108 cases of whooping cough, also known as whooping cough, reported in the county, compared to just four cases reported in all of 2022. Officials said cases are occurring primarily among school-age children and their parents and are urging residents to seek medical attention early. diagnosis.
“With so many respiratory illnesses prevalent right now, some for which there is no cure, we wanted parents to know that whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early.” said Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Piggott in a statement. .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whooping cough is considered highly contagious, and coughing attacks can last up to 10 weeks. Initial symptoms are typical of the common cold, and diagnosis may be delayed until symptoms worsen.
Piggott warned that whooping cough can be particularly severe and deadly for infants who are too old to be vaccinated.
Suffolk officials said the majority of those infected have been vaccinated and their symptoms are mild. There are no hospitalizations related to the outbreak.
According to a CDC report, the number of infected people nationwide in 2022 is estimated to be 2,388, up from 2,116 the previous year.
Nassau County has not reported a similar increase, but Department of Health spokeswoman Grace Kelly McGovern said the number of cases in Suffolk includes people who live in Suffolk and attend Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale. It is said that this includes some students.
McGovern said Saturday that 100 of the cases reported since Nov. 28 are countywide.
“Sometimes kids go to the doctor with symptoms and don’t get tested,” she said, adding that county health officials are also warning health care workers about the rising number of cases.
County health officials said vaccination is the best way to prevent or reduce the severity of the disease. The CDC recommends covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands frequently to prevent infection.