The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Joplin Metro

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May 2, 2009

Whooping cough cases reported

From staff reports

news@joplinglobe.com

The Jasper County Health Department on Friday announced that it has confirmed four cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in the area and is investigating four additional cases.

All of the cases were reported in Jasper County in April.

The first case was confirmed April 16, an official with the health department said. The cases have been reported in residents whose ages range from infant through senior citizen.

According to the health department, pertussis is a highly communicable disease that can be severe in young children. Apnea also can be present in young children.

It begins with mild upper respiratory tract symptoms and progresses to a cough. It can further progress to severe paroxysms, often with a characteristic “whoop,” followed by vomiting. Fever is absent or minimal.

Among older children and adults, the disease can be mistaken for bronchitis or an upper respiratory infection. In younger children, the “whoop” may not be present with the cough.

Pertussis outbreaks have lasted for several months in some schools and communities.

“The attack rates in school settings can range from 3 to 5 percent to 50 to 74 percent. Thus, prompt recognition and control of cases is of paramount importance,” the health department stated.

Anyone with signs or symptoms of pertussis is asked to report to their doctor before going back to work or school

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