FARGO (KFGO) – Fargo Cass Public Health is again stressing the importance of getting vaccinated for pertussis as cases continue to rise in Cass County.
Since Nov., there have been 29 reported cases of pertussis in Cass County. At least eight cases have been reported over the last 17 days, a number that is expected to increase. Cass County typically reports five to eight cases in an average year. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily from person to person through the air. People with pertussis usually spread the disease by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in the pertussis bacteria. Pertussis is one of the most commonly occurring vaccine-preventable diseases in the US.
“Cases of pertussis have been increasing in recent years in the United States and we are now seeing cases go up in North Dakota. Infants under the age of one are at the highest risk of developing severe breathing complications and life-threatening illness from pertussis. Ensuring your child and family are up to date on pertussis vaccines is more important than ever.” said Fargo Cass Public Health Officer Dr. Tracie Newman.
Newman said vaccination is the best available safeguard against pertussis, providing protection not only for the person vaccinated but for others around them as well. Available pertussis vaccines are highly effective, but a person’s immunity can wane over time.
Fargo Cass Public Health said studies show that when vaccinated, people who get pertussis cough for fewer days, experience less whooping, coughing fits, or vomiting after coughing, and apnea is less common in babies. Vaccination during pregnancy also protects the baby during the first months of life when they are at the highest risk. A highly vaccinated community is able to protect those who are too young to be vaccinated.
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