Whooping Cough Cases Continue to Increase in Austin-Travis County: Vaccinate & Take Precautions

AUSTIN, Texas –  Austin officials are urging precautions heading into the holidays as cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, are on the rise. Austin-Travis County has seen more than 130 cases so far this year, a significant rise compared to previous years. More than half of these cases involve school-aged children.

“With this rise in whooping cough, we’re seeing the resurgence of a disease that is entirely vaccine-preventable,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “Infants and older adults are especially vulnerable and can become critically ill if they contract pertussis. I urge all parents and caregivers to ensure their children are up to date on their vaccinations to help stop further spread, especially as we head into the holidays.” 

Whooping cough is a very contagious illness that affects the lungs and is spread by coughing. It starts like a cold, but the cough can last for weeks or even months. Without treatment, a person with pertussis can be contagious up to 21 days. Early treatment might prevent serious symptoms from developing.  

Prevention

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from pertussis:

• Children should receive their first DTaP shots from 2 months through 6 years of age.
• Preteens and teens are eligible for a Tdap booster.
• Adults should talk to their healthcare providers about receiving a Tdap booster if they are around those at high risk, including children younger than one year of age, pregnant people and people with compromised immune systems.

DTaP and Tdap vaccines are offered at pharmacies, doctors’ offices and Austin Public Health’s Shots for Tots clinics. DTaP vaccines are for babies and younger children, while Tdap vaccines are for older children and adults.

Symptoms

Parents should take their child to the doctor if their child has been exposed to someone with pertussis and has developed symptoms.

Early symptoms (1-2 weeks)

• Runny nose, sneezing.
• Mild fever.
• Mild cough.

Later symptoms (1-10 weeks)

• A cough that gets worse.
• A loud “whoop” sound when coughing.
• Vomiting after coughing.
• Feeling better between coughing.
• Trouble sleeping or coughing worse at night.
• Difficulty breathing.

Treatment

Doctors can treat pertussis with antibiotics in patients who have tested positive for pertussis and their close contacts. People diagnosed with pertussis should stay home from school and work until they have taken all of their prescribed antibiotics and spoken with their doctor.

Reminder: To reduce the spread of illnesses in our community, it is important that you and your family stay home when you are sick, wash your hands often and stay up to date with your vaccinations.