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A recent outbreak of pertussis – also known as whooping cough – in the Upper Peninsula has inspired words of caution from the Western U.P. Health Department.
Medical Director Dr. Teresa Frankovich says a dozen cases have been confirmed in the past two months, with a total of 25 cases and three hospitalizations this year.
One infected child reportedly attended a Hockeyville event, although Frankovich says they have not been able to determine which specific event. While pertussis is contagious, Frankovich says brief contact with someone who’s infected isn’t likely to transmit the infection…
On the other hand, Frankovich says it can be transported from one end of the U.P. to the other quickly, as parents and children travel to sports and other school events.
Pertussis tends to feel like a cold for the first couple of weeks… and then the serious symptoms set in…
In China, it’s called “the 100-day cough.”
If you have questions about a cough, see your family physician. Pertussis is caused by a bacteria, and can be treated with antibiotics.
It can be prevented with the proper vaccinations, although Frankovich says many adults who were inoculated years ago may need a booster. And, despite misinformation that gets passed around the internet, the vaccinations won’t hurt you or your children…
Hear Todd VanDyke’s entire interview with Dr. Teresa Frankovich on Sunday’s Copper Country Today program.
Speaking of vaccinations, flu season is upon us. There’s a vaccination clinic tomorrow from 9:00 until 11:00 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital, and another one Wednesday from 4:00 until 7:00 at Aspirus Keweenaw in Laurium.
Can the flu vaccine give you the flu?
Frankovich says such reports tend to come either from people who have already contracted the virus before they get the vaccine, or who experience another respiratory illness, and confuse it with the flu.
