7 cases of whooping cough confirmed in Helena

7 cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, have been confirmed in the Helena area as of Tuesday afternoon.

According to Karen Wandel, communicable disease nursing supervisor at the Lewis and Clark City-County Health Department, the cases began appearing during the second week of April.

“It can be anywhere from a week, to 21 days, three weeks. So, for the ones that we’re following up with, if they don’t get profylax or treated preventatively, then they need to monitored from 21 days past the last time they were around the contagious person,” said Karen Dobson Wendel, a public health nurse.

The health department cites nine cases in the Helena area so far this year.

At this time there are 80 cases statewide, which is low compared to 212 at this time last year.

Wendel warns that it’s rare for the illness to carry the classic “whooping” cough sound anymore, but often patients and parents mistake it for a cold.

Wendel said pertussis is treated with antibiotics, but can be severe, or fatal, especially for infants.

The Tetanus and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccination is administered at the health department’s walk-in clinics Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. However the clinic will not be open Wednesday, April 23, due to staff training.

Agencies/Canadajournal