Kentucky health officials are warning area residents of the dangers of contracting pertussis, also known as whooping cough.
According to the Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department, between Nov. 1 and Jan. 12, 73 cases of pertussis have been reported throughout the state.
In the local areas, however, there have been no cases reported, officials said.
“Doctors are educating their patients,” said Mason County Health Department Director of Nurses Vicki Morgan. “It has been reported in the state, but we haven’t had anything here yet. Still, we want people to be educated and vaccinated.”
The National Centers for Disease Control defines pertussis as “more commonly known as whooping cough, is a contagious, respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The illness is characterized by a prolonged paroxysmal cough, which is often accompanied by an inspiratory whoop.”
According to Morgan, pertussis has several symptoms. Those include severe coughing spells, trouble breathing, problems sleeping. It can also cause weight loss.
Pertussis is spread through coughing and sneezing, according to Morgan.
“Everyone should be up-to-date on their TDAP vaccine,” she said. “If you’ve had your vaccination, you should be fine. If you haven’t, and you’re around someone who has pertussis, there is a chance you could catch it.”
Morgan said the health department offers free TDAP vaccinations.
“We want to encourage people to stay up-to-date on this vaccination,” she said. “Children will receive the vaccine beginning at two months. Adults should receive the vaccine every 10 years.”
To get the vaccination, patients can call or walk in to the health department between 8-9 a.m. to make an appointment, on the same day
