Protecting Families from Pertussis: What Parents and Guardians Need to Know

Texas is experiencing a concerning uptick of pertussis (whooping cough), with cases reaching levels not seen in over a decade. Legacy Community Health remains dedicated to educating and empowering families to safeguard their health during this outbreak. This highly contagious bacterial infection is preventable through timely vaccination.

The Galveston County Health District recently confirmed multiple cases of pertussis. The increase mirrors a national trend, with CDC data revealing a fivefold spike in cases compared to last year. As of October 2024, approximately 17,579 cases have been reported nationwide, a sharp rise from 3,962 cases during the same period in 2023.

Pertussis can rapidly progress to severe illness, especially in infants. For babies, the infection can lead to breathing difficulties, vomiting, and even life-threatening complications.

Understanding Pertussis: Causes, Symptoms, and Transmission

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by uncontrollable coughing fits that can lead to difficulty breathing, vomiting, and a distinctive “whooping” sound when inhaling. While anyone can contract pertussis, infants under one year old are especially at risk for severe complications, including apnea and pneumonia.

Dr. Iliana Solano, Medical Director of Pediatrics at Legacy, explains that pertussis progresses in three stages: the Catarrhal Stage (1-2 weeks) with mild cold symptoms and the highest contagiousness; the Paroxysmal Stage (2-6 weeks) with severe coughing fits, a “whoop” sound, and vomiting; and the Convalescent Stage, where recovery occurs over weeks to months as the cough severity decreases. Early treatment is important because it reduces symptom severity, prevents transmission, lowers the risk of complications, especially in infants, and shortens the illness duration.

“The biggest misconceptions about pertussis are that it only affects children, that it’s easily recognizable as a cold from the start, and that it is no longer a threat in developed countries like the USA,” said Dr. Solano.

The Importance of Vaccination

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against pertussis. The CDC recommends:

• Infants and Children: The DTaP vaccine series starting at 2 months old.
• Teens and Adults: A Tdap booster between ages 11-18 and every 10 years for adults.
• Pregnant Women: A Tdap vaccine during the third trimester of every pregnancy to protect newborns.

Legacy Community Health offers a full range of vaccines, including DTaP and Tdap, across multiple locations to ensure families have easy access to immunizations.

Dr. Khan underscores the importance of ensuring children’s vaccinations are current and advises parents to consult a healthcare provider if they’re unsure. She also calls for vaccinations among all family members and caregivers, particularly emphasizing the need for pregnant women to get the vaccine.

“When the mom is vaccinated, maternal antibodies pass through the placenta to the baby and will provide protection during the newborn’s most vulnerable period, until they can receive their own DTaP vaccine at 2 months,” she said. “It also protects the mother, preventing her from transmitting the disease to the newborn.”

Dr. Solano notes that common concerns about vaccines include their safety, ingredients, long-term effects, and potential side effects. Parents sometimes worry about multiple vaccines being administered at once. These concerns are addressed through education, open dialogue, and the sharing of reliable, evidence-based information.

“Vaccination is a primary prevention tool and cost-effective intervention that is very important for community protection, especially for protecting vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Solano.

What to Do if Your Child Shows Symptoms

If parents suspect their child has been exposed to or is showing symptoms of pertussis, they should seek medical attention immediately. The infected person should be isolated and kept at home for five days after starting antibiotics. It’s also important to inform close contacts, as prophylactic antibiotics may be recommended for family members and others who have been exposed.

To help prevent the spread of pertussis, it is important to identify the difference between common cold symptoms and early signs of pertussis. Key differences include:

• Cough progressively worsens over time
• Distinctive “whooping” sound
• Vomiting after coughing fits
• Symptoms worsen at night
• Cough persists longer than a typical cold

“Early treatment is crucial because it can reduce symptom severity, help prevent transmission to others, reduce the risk of complications, especially in infants, and shorten the illness duration,” Dr. Solano adds.

Legacy’s Commitment to Community Health and Convenient Vaccination Access

At Legacy Community Health, safeguarding the well-being of families is a top priority. Efforts to promote a healthier community include:

• Back-to-School Programs: Ensuring children are up-to-date on vaccinations before the school year begins.
• Personal Consultations: Guiding families to stay current with immunization schedules.
• ImmTrac2 Registry: Leveraging technology to monitor vaccination needs and compliance effectively.

Vaccinations and immunizations are offered at a number of Legacy Community Health locations, including Alief–Bissonnet, Baker-Ripley, Bissonnet, Central Beaumont, Central Stagg, Deer Park, Fifth Ward–Lyons, Gulfton Dashwood, Montrose, Northside Irvington, Northline, San Jacinto, Santa Clara–East End, Southwest, Stafford Fountains, Taylor Pediatrics, and Third Ward–Law Harrington Senior Center.

Stay Ahead of Pertussis: Protecting Families Today

Legacy takes a comprehensive approach to combating vaccine-preventable diseases like pertussis by deeply embedding themselves in the community.

“Our school health programs are a cornerstone of this effort – we work directly in schools, providing not only vaccines but also well exams and sick visits,” she said. “We’ve found this on-site presence makes a huge difference in catching kids who might fall through the cracks.”

Legacy Community Health has also built strong relationships with local hospitals and specialists to ensure seamless collaboration in providing comprehensive healthcare.

“Most importantly, we focus on education – not just for families, but for everyone involved in children’s health,” said Dr. Solano. “This creates a network of informed advocates who can help spread accurate information and encourage preventive care.”