Whooping Cough Case Confirmed In Escambia County

March 16, 2019

The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) has been notified that an adolescent resident of Escambia County has been diagnosed with pertussis.

Pertussis, commonly known as “whooping cough,” is a vaccine-preventable illness, but can be highly contagious to non-vaccinated and under-vaccinated individuals. The disease is easily passed among individuals in close contact with one another.

Pertussis can be especially dangerous to newborn infants who are too young to get vaccinated. This illness is also serious for people with weakened immune systems and for older adults.

“Pertussis easily spreads within families and in other settings where there are close contacts among individuals, such as households, schools, and group child care situations,” said FDOH-Escambia’s director, Dr. John Lanza. “In this situation the young person had been vaccinated against pertussis. On rare occasions, a fully-vaccinated person can present with symptoms.”

Individuals, particularly children and adolescents, in Escambia County, Florida who have not been vaccinated or who are experiencing a persistent cough should contact their primary health care professional for assessment.

Comments

4 Responses to “Whooping Cough Case Confirmed In Escambia County”

  1. Christal on April 16th, 2019 11:34 pm

    My daughter caught whooping cough from her music teacher 12 yrs ago, yes she was vaccinated, he wasn’t. It presents a differently in adults so no one knew till it was stirred. They mandate kids to get shots to go to school but for adults it’s only ac recommendation.

  2. Erin on March 20th, 2019 6:42 pm

    So where about does this adolescent live its a little scary I have a five year old don’t want her to get thatv

  3. ekg on March 16th, 2019 10:12 am

    I had whooping cough long ago when I was a child, and have been around it several times over the years without catching it again……but I know that it can still be contagious to those that have had it in years gone by…..so please be very careful and get vaccinated…..or get to the doctor if you think you have it …..especially care for your children as that is a terrible terrible cough. I felt like I was not able to breathe and was heading to heaven so many times when I had it…..Asking the “Great Spirit” to watch over the child who has it now.

  4. Mary on March 16th, 2019 7:55 am

    I’m so glad I paid for the shot against this after my youngest grandson was born. I can honestly say that was 75.00 well spent.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News