Increase of Whooping Cough cases in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says there has been an increase in Pertussis (Whooping Cough) cases in Nebraska.

NDHHS said that in 2024 there has been a total of 35 cases of pertussis reported in Nebraska compared to the 13 that were reported in 2023. 

With a recently confirmed cases of pertussis in a student who lives in the Two Rivers Public Health Department region, NDHHS is emphasizing the importance of taking preventative measures to protect young individuals and communities from pertussis. 

NDHHS said that Two Rivers Public Health Department will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation. 

For those who have not had a Tdap vaccine in the last seven years, it is recommended they speak to their primary care provider about their risk. Two Rivers Public Health Department, as well as clinics and pharmacies, offer the Tdap vaccine. 

Pertussis is an acute, contagious respiratory disease that is spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. It can be serious and sometimes deadly for babies and young children, especially those who have not had all of their recommended pertussis vaccines. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in three babies who get pertussis and are younger than one year of age, need care in the hospital.

Early symptoms may appear like a common cold, including runny and/or stuffy noses, low-grade fevers, and mild coughs. However, one to two weeks after symptom onset, people may experience coughing fits called paroxysms. Coughing fits may persist from one to 10 weeks and may cause the high-pitched “whoop” sound characteristic of pertussis. Some people may also experience vomiting, feel fatigued after coughing fits, struggle to breathe, and more severe symptoms.

The best way to prevent pertussis is with vaccination. The CDC recommends pertussis vaccination for everyone. While infants are not eligible for pertussis vaccination until they are two months old, both the CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that all pregnant women receive a pertussis vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of each pregnancy to help protect babies from serious illness until they are old enough to get vaccinated on their own.

Though it is best to prevent pertussis with vaccination, antibiotic treatment early in the course of infection may help. Some people who are seriously ill may need care in the hospital, but many people can manage their symptoms at home.

If you think you have been exposed to a pertussis case or are experiencing symptoms, call your healthcare provider.

To learn more visit https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html.