Pertussis on the rise this fall

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an acute infectious disease common (endemic) in the United States. The distinctive cough and ‘whoop’ is not always present. Greene County, like the rest of the U.S., is seeing a rise of pertussis as the incidence of cases return to pre-pandemic levels. Protecting people at highest risk of serious injury is the primary focus during this rise. Healthcare providers may treat people while waiting on test results. Unvaccinated and other persons ineligible to receive the vaccine are at the highest risk of injury, hospitalization, and death.

CDC recommends pertussis vaccines for infants and children, adolescents, and people who are pregnant. CDC also recommends a dose of pertussis vaccine for adults who didn't receive one either as an adolescent or adult. Healthcare providers should follow the recommended immunization schedule to ensure that their patients get the pertussis vaccines that they need.

Learn more about Pertussis and the vaccine here: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/vaccines/index.html