An outbreak of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, has been detected in Suffolk County, New York, according to a statement released by Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott on December 30, 2023. The county's health department has been tracking a rising number of pertussis cases, although most patients have been vaccinated and are experiencing only mild symptoms.

As of now, there have been no reported hospitalizations related to the outbreak. Dr. Pigott emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, stating that pertussis can be effectively treated with antibiotics if detected early. He also highlighted the vulnerability of infants too young to be vaccinated, urging both medical providers and the public to be aware of the circulating illness.

Pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory tract infection, earned its common name from the severe hacking cough that some individuals develop. Mayo Clinic explains that while the vaccine provides protection against severe illness for children, infants who have not yet received vaccination are at the highest risk. Initial symptoms resemble those of a common cold, including nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, and red, watery eyes.

Over time, the symptoms worsen, often leading to severe and uncontrollable coughing fits. After these fits, patients may emit a distinct "whooping" sound as they inhale due to mucus buildup in the airways. Infants face the greatest risk of severe disease and life-threatening complications such as interrupted breathing, pneumonia, seizures, or rarely, death.

Notably, pregnant women, individuals with compromised immune systems, and older adults may also experience more severe symptoms. Katy Dubinsky, a pharmacist and the CEO and co-founder of Vitalize, stressed that whooping cough becomes dangerous when it causes severe coughing spells, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or interrupts normal breathing patterns in infants.

The primary treatment for pertussis is antibiotics, with azithromycin commonly prescribed for children and doxycycline for adults. Managing symptoms, especially in severe cases, is crucial, and hospitalization may be necessary for infants or those with severe symptoms to monitor and treat complications.

During the pandemic, cases of whooping cough decreased as our immune systems were exposed to fewer viruses and bacteria. However, Dr. Siegel, an expert cited in the article, warns that they are now increasing as our immune systems are slower to respond to new pathogens. Whooping cough outbreaks are more likely to occur in communities with low vaccination rates, where herd immunity is not strong enough to prevent easy transmission of the disease.

Dubinsky emphasized that vaccination is the best way to combat and contain an outbreak. The DTaP vaccine for children and the Tdap booster for adults and adolescents are crucial in preventing the spread of pertussis. Pregnant women are also advised to receive the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy to protect newborns until they can be vaccinated themselves.

In addition to vaccination, practicing good hygiene such as regular hand washing and using tissues or elbows to cover coughs is essential during outbreaks. Isolating infected individuals is another key step in preventing the spread of the disease.

Suffolk County health officials recommend that anyone diagnosed with whooping cough stays home from work or school until completing five days of antibiotics. Furthermore, it is important to seek medical attention if pertussis is suspected, particularly for young infants and those with weakened immune systems.

With the outbreak ongoing, vigilance and proactive measures are crucial to safeguarding the community against the spread of whooping cough.