November 2, 2024 7:10 a.m.

Local public health officials have announced that there are three pediatric cases of Pertussis, including two infants, and seven additional presumptive cases of Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough, as of November 1st.

A Douglas Public Health Network release said schools and parents have been alerted and currently include Roseburg High School, South Umpqua High School, and JoLane Middle School. Health care providers have been notified on what to watch for, testing and treatment guidelines and current Oregon Health Authority Guidelines for Pertussis. The Epidemiology team at DPHN is currently working on contact tracing and notifying potential exposures.

As a pertussis outbreak continues to spread in neighboring counties, Douglas County public health officials are urging everyone to make sure their pertussis vaccinations are up to date.

Pertussis is a serious and highly contagious infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis and is one of the most commonly occurring vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States. Initial symptoms in older children and adults are similar to those of a cold, and commonly include a runny nose, sneezing and a severe cough.

The release said over the course of a few days, the cough will usually get worse and can be followed by spasms and occasionally vomiting. Infants commonly demonstrate more severe symptoms, which may include gagging, gasping and a whooping sound when coughing.

The duration of the infection can be up to two weeks, with a debilitating cough for up to 90 days. Individuals exhibiting these symptoms are encouraged to refrain from contact with children, stay home from work or school for up to 21 days and seek medical attention. If a doctor prescribes antibiotics, this exclusion from work and school can be reduced to as little as 5 days.

Pertussis is particularly dangerous for children younger than 1 year of age.