Whooping cough cases rising as new school year begins

Due to the continued spread of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, Clark County Public Health is urging residents to learn the symptoms of the illness and seek preventative vaccinations.

Clark County health officer and Public Health Director Dr. Alan Melnick is concerned that a large number of students returning to school may catch whooping cough and further spread the illness. Infants are particularly vulnerable to the whooping cough, a Clark County news release stated.

“Young children who aren’t yet old enough to complete their whooping cough vaccinations are less protected against illness. And infants are at the greatest risk of severe illness and hospitalization from whooping cough,” Melnick said in the news release.

Whooping cough begins as a respiratory illness, which spreads easily from person to person. Though early symptoms are similar to the common cold, those infected with whooping cough can develop a violent cough one or two weeks after symptoms appear. Babies may have life-threatening pauses in breathing while ill, the release stated.

In 2024, Clark County has so far identified 229 cases of whooping cough, which is double the recorded number of cases over the last five years combined, the news release stated.

The spread of whooping cough is not slowing, according to county data. Since June 1, 183 cases of whooping cough have been reported.
Those who develop whooping cough symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for testing and treatment, the news release stated.

To learn more about whooping cough and vaccination, read The Reflector’s prior coverage at shorturl.at/qqeBp.