State reporting ‘significant increase’ in whooping cough cases
Dept. of Health Services says cases currently 10 times higher than last year in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting a significant increase in the number of pertussis, or whooping cough, cases in the state.DHS is urging residents and their children to get up to date on their pertussis vaccine.As of Sept. 13, 2024, DHS has received reports of 625 confirmed cases of pertussis, compared to 51 cases reported in 2023. Since Jan. 1, 2024, two-thirds of Wisconsin counties have reported at least one case. According to DHS, children ages 11-18 currently make up nearly half of all cases reported so far this year.”Whooping cough can be very serious, especially for infants. The best way to protect yourself and others is to stay up to date on your vaccines,” said Stephanie Schauer, DHS Wisconsin’s immunization program manager.Pertussis is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to health complications such as pneumonia, or even death, particularly in very young children. It begins with cold-like symptoms and develops into a serious cough that can last up to several months. Coughing episodes can cause difficulty breathing, gagging, or vomiting. Some people also may have a high-pitched “whoop” after they cough.DHS urges anyone experiencing symptoms to stay home, call their health care provider, and follow their instructions. Severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, need immediate medical care.Wisconsin residents who do not have health insurance, or whose insurance may not cover vaccines, may be able to get help from the Vaccines for Children or Vaccines for Adults programs.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting a significant increase in the number of pertussis, or whooping cough, cases in the state.
DHS is urging residents and their children to get up to date on their pertussis vaccine.
As of Sept. 13, 2024, DHS has received reports of 625 confirmed cases of pertussis, compared to 51 cases reported in 2023. Since Jan. 1, 2024, two-thirds of Wisconsin counties have reported at least one case.
According to DHS, children ages 11-18 currently make up nearly half of all cases reported so far this year.
“Whooping cough can be very serious, especially for infants. The best way to protect yourself and others is to stay up to date on your vaccines,” said Stephanie Schauer, DHS Wisconsin’s immunization program manager.
Pertussis is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to health complications such as pneumonia, or even death, particularly in very young children. It begins with cold-like symptoms and develops into a serious cough that can last up to several months. Coughing episodes can cause difficulty breathing, gagging, or vomiting. Some people also may have a high-pitched “whoop” after they cough.
DHS urges anyone experiencing symptoms to stay home, call their health care provider, and follow their instructions. Severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, need immediate medical care.
Wisconsin residents who do not have health insurance, or whose insurance may not cover vaccines, may be able to get help from the Vaccines for Children or Vaccines for Adults programs.
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