The Caldwell County Health Department issued a press release late Friday confirming A case of Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, was reported in the county. The individual diagnosed is being treated, per guidelines established by the State of North Carolina and the Centers for Disease Control and those they came in close contact with have been notified.
Pertussis is an infection that affects the airways and is easily spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. It causes a severe cough that can last for weeks or months, sometimes leading to coughing fits or vomiting. Anyone can get pertussis, but it can be dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems. Family members with pertussis can spread it to newborns. Anyone experiencing symptoms should limit contact with others and should seek medical care. Doctors may do a lab test to see if a person has pertussis and can prescribe antibiotics as treatment for those who are sick or can give them to people who have been exposed but who have not become ill. If someone has had possible contact with pertussis, monitor for signs and symptoms.
