SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — With students across Long Island heading back to school this week after winter break, the Suffolk County Health Department issued a warning on Monday about a troubling rise in pertussis cases, commonly known as whooping cough, particularly among school-aged children and their parents in the area’s school districts.
According to Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott, the county has recorded 108 new cases of the highly contagious respiratory illness, the vast majority of which have occurred in school-aged kids and parents associated with Suffolk County schools. He noted that most cases so far have been relatively mild in individuals who have been vaccinated against pertussis. As of now, the department says no hospitalizations related to the outbreak have occurred.
“With so many respiratory illnesses currently spreading through our communities, some of which have no medical treatment available, we urgently wanted to inform parents that pertussis is treatable with antibiotics if caught early,” said Dr. Pigott.
Whooping cough, which is transmitted via airborne droplets from an infected person coughing or sneezing, presents first as a run-of-the-mill cold with cough, nasal congestion and fever. Within a few weeks though, violent coughing spells can manifest, sometimes ending with a distinctive high-pitched “whooping” sound as air is inhaled. The infection can linger for months even with antibiotic treatment.
Young infants are at highest risk Should they contract pertussis before they are old enough to get vaccinated, the results are sobering – 50% typically require hospitalization. Over recent years, cases have been escalating nationally. New York documented close to twice as many pertussis cases last year compared to the year prior.
To limit spread, the Suffolk County Health Department advises all students and school staff be up to date with immunizations, most crucially the Tdap booster which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. They also recommend parents watch closely for symptoms of prolonged cough and keep sick kids home from school while seeking medical attention. Prompt diagnosis and treatment remain vital weapons against pertussis.
With students congregating indoors more during the winter months, health officials plan to closely track cases in partnership with regional schools and medical facilities. County residents with questions or concerns around pertussis prevention can visit the Suffolk County Health Department website or call their hotline at (631) 854-0333.
