Protect your family from Arizona’s Whooping Cough spike
Arizona health officials report highest whooping cough cases since 2015. Learn about symptoms, vaccinations, and prevention methods to protect your family.
Arizona is experiencing a significant spike in whooping cough cases, with 563 reported infections this year. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), this marks the highest number since 2015.
The surge comes as cases increase nationwide, raising concerns about this highly contagious respiratory illness. Here’s what you should know.
Understanding the risk and symptoms
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, can affect people of all ages but poses particular danger to infants and young children, ADHS officials say. The illness typically begins with mild cold-like symptoms before progressing to severe coughing fits that can last months and often produce a distinctive “whooping” sound.
“It’s likely that preventative actions used during the pandemic lowered transmission of this disease. The case numbers are now returning to pre-pandemic levels,” says Nicole Witt from ADHS.
Prevention and vaccination guidelines
The CDC recommends a specific vaccination schedule for children at high risk, including doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, followed by boosters at 15-18 months and 4-6 years. According to Dr. Joel Terriquez, children under 7 receive the DTaP vaccine, while older children and adults get the Tdap booster.
“Children under the age of 7 are administered the DTaP vaccines, which contain full-strength doses of the anti-diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines,” Terriquez explains.
ADHS emphasizes that qualifying children and adults can receive vaccines at no cost through the Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults programs. Additional prevention measures include regular hand washing, monitoring for symptoms, and staying home when sick.
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