Doctors around the state are reporting an increase in pertussis cases, known as whooping cough. “Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that’s caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. It’s something that can cause sore throats and cough. It’s something where the cough can last for up to six weeks,” said Dr. Meghan Brett, an epidemiologist at UNM Hospital. The “whooping” happens when you’re trying to catch your breath after coughing repeatedly. Other common symptoms are fever and sore throat. While anyone can get it, children are most at risk.”Particularly in small children, following the cough, they may vomit,” said Chad Smelser, a medical epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health. “Infants in particular, they can sometimes cough so much that they turn blue or they may not breathe as much as they normally do.”Follow us on social: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeAs of July 5, data from the health department shows within the last five years, on average there is 28 cases a year. This year, there have been 67 cases. Smelser said four babies under the age of one have been hospitalized. “Sometimes there can be years where there’s more versus less, it has patterns and when it can come and go. I think that’s something that we even noted in October of last year that the number of cases had gone up,” said Brett.Both experts recommend getting vaccinated. “Instead of coughing for six weeks, it can shorten that time period. For infants, can’t get the vaccine up to a certain point. So, it’s really important for people that are around infants to get vaccinated,” Brett said. She adds, the vaccine is 80-98% effective in reducing infections, it also helps reduce the severity and prevent hospitalizations. The effect does decrease over time. For more about the vaccine, you can contact your local provider or call the New Mexico Department of Health hotline at 1-833-796-8773. Stay up to date with the latest health news: Health Beat on Action 7 News
Doctors around the state are reporting an increase in pertussis cases, known as whooping cough.
“Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that’s caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. It’s something that can cause sore throats and cough. It’s something where the cough can last for up to six weeks,” said Dr. Meghan Brett, an epidemiologist at UNM Hospital.
The “whooping” happens when you’re trying to catch your breath after coughing repeatedly. Other common symptoms are fever and sore throat. While anyone can get it, children are most at risk.
“Particularly in small children, following the cough, they may vomit,” said Chad Smelser, a medical epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health. “Infants in particular, they can sometimes cough so much that they turn blue or they may not breathe as much as they normally do.”
Follow us on social: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
As of July 5, data from the health department shows within the last five years, on average there is 28 cases a year. This year, there have been 67 cases. Smelser said four babies under the age of one have been hospitalized.
“Sometimes there can be years where there’s more versus less, it has patterns and when it can come and go. I think that’s something that we even noted in October of last year that the number of cases had gone up,” said Brett.
Both experts recommend getting vaccinated.
“Instead of coughing for six weeks, it can shorten that time period. For infants, can’t get the vaccine up to a certain point. So, it’s really important for people that are around infants to get vaccinated,” Brett said.
She adds, the vaccine is 80-98% effective in reducing infections, it also helps reduce the severity and prevent hospitalizations. The effect does decrease over time.
For more about the vaccine, you can contact your local provider or call the New Mexico Department of Health hotline at 1-833-796-8773.
Stay up to date with the latest health news: Health Beat on Action 7 News
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