PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) – Pertussis, better known as “Whooping Cough,” has hit nearly 15 cases in the Mid-Ohio Valley according to the Public Information Officer of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, Amy Phelps. Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that is commonly known to affect children more often than adults. Symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Phelps says that these are early symptoms, like most other illnesses such as the common cold or flu. In later stages of the infection, individuals may experience more violent “whooping” coughing fits.
According to Phelps, young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of getting the infection. To keep yourself and others safe this holiday season, Phelps recommends the following:
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands regularly
- Wipe down and disinfect commonly touched surfaces
- Stay home if you are showing symptoms
Phelps says you can also keep up to date with the pertussis vaccine. She ssys the DTaP vaccineis for children under the age of 7 and the TDaP for children over the age of 7 and adults.
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