The illness popularly known as “whooping cough” is on the rise in Fairfax County, according to local health officials.
The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) shared yesterday (Wednesday) that it’s seeing an increase in pertussis throughout the Fairfax Health District, which also includes the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. Cases are also up statewide and nationally.
The number of pertussis cases reported in the Fairfax Health District this year is the highest in a decade, Lucy Caldwell, a health department spokesperson, told FFXnow.
“From 2014 to 2023, the average annual number of pertussis cases was 19 cases. As of August 14, FCHD has investigated 42 confirmed cases…and probable cases,” Caldwell said by email. “Most cases this year have occurred in the late spring and summer, and FCHD continues to receive reports of new cases in the community.”
Confirmed cases are ones where individuals got a positive laboratory test, while probable cases have been clinically diagnosed based on the patient’s symptoms. The FCHD is responsible for investigating cases and outbreaks and monitoring trends for pertussis and other illnesses.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whooping cough is a respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, which attach to cilia in the upper respiratory system and release toxins that damage the hair-like extensions and cause the throat to swell.
The illness starts with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny or stuffed-up nose, low fever or mild cough, but the coughing can become severe and last for weeks or even months. Babies and people with asthma or weakened immune systems are at higher risk for getting seriously sick, the FCHD said in a press release.
In addition, the bacteria spreads easily through the air, including via sneezes and coughs, according to the CDC.
“People can spread the bacteria from the start of symptoms and for at least 2 weeks after coughing begins,” the CDC says, noting that taking antibiotics early on may reduce the amount of time a person’s contagious.
According to the FCHD, pertussis cases tend to peak in two to five year cycles. While this year’s increase isn’t directly related to COVID-19, the pandemic might’ve led some people to skip or delay preventative care, such as vaccinations, Caldwell noted.
“We know that protections from the vaccine is reduced after 5-7 years, and waning of natural immunity from illness occurs after 15 years. There is no one reason that explains this recent surge,” she said, citing “some increased vaccine hesitancy in certain communities across Virginia and the U.S over the past several years” as another potential contributing factor.
There are two types of vaccines available as protection against pertussis: DTaP, which also provides protection against diptheria, and Tdap, which also protects against tetanus.
More on the vaccines from the FCHD:
- Children should get five doses of DTaP, including at least one dose on or after their 4th birthday.
- Preteen ages 11 to 12 years should get a booster dose of Tdap before they start 7th grade.
- Adults should get a booster dose of Tdap every 10 years and during every pregnancy.
These vaccines work well, but protection fades over time, so booster doses are needed to ensure you are protected.
The vaccine is among Virginia’s required immunizations for public school students and children in day care. Kids are required to get at least one dose after they turn 4, and as of 2019, the state has required a booster dose for all students entering seventh grade.
The FCHD is hosting back-to-school vaccine clinics by appointment at its district offices through next Friday, Aug. 23. Clinics will also be offered to elementary school students this fall on Mondays when students are released early.
The county health department advises anyone who’s been near an individual with whooping cough to talk to a health care provider about potentially obtaining antibiotics and to seek “immediate care if you or your child has trouble breathing.”
Since pertussis spreads through droplets like Covid, face masks can also be helpful in limiting its spread, FCHD says.
“Someone with respiratory symptoms should limit close contact with others until they can be seen by a healthcare provider,” Caldwell said.
Photo via Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
